A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A racing pulse is one that's faster than 100 beats; this is called tachycardia.
There isn't a set range for when a heart rate is deemed dangerous, but Dr. Ronen says a heart rate above 100 beats per minute or in the 50s or lower while resting is often a cause for concern. However, a cardiologist should consider the degree of danger on a case-by-case basis.
According to the American Heart Association, a normal adult resting heart rate is between 60 beats per minute (BPM) and 100 BPM for people 15 years and older. A resting pulse rate of 120 BPM in adults would be considered high.
Subtracting your age from the number 220 will give you your maximum heart rate. Suppose your age is 35 years, and your maximum heart rate is 185 beats per minute. If your heart rate exceeds 185 beats per minute during exercise, it is dangerous for you.
This tells you that 170 is the 100 per cent capacity of your heart rate. And when you are working out, it should reach about 70 per cent of its total capacity. This is the safe range for you.”
The maximum rate is based on your age, as subtracted from 220. So for a 50-year-old, maximum heart rate is 220 minus 50, or 170 beats per minute. At a 50 percent exertion level, your target would be 50 percent of that maximum, or 85 beats per minute.
If you're sitting down and feeling calm, your heart shouldn't beat more than about 100 times per minute. A heartbeat that's faster than this, also called tachycardia, is a reason to come to the emergency department and get checked out. We often see patients whose hearts are beating 160 beats per minute or more.
What happens to your heart rate during a panic attack? In many cases, a panic attack triggers a fast heart rate, also known as tachycardia. The heart rate may speed up to 200 beats per minute or even faster.
For example, a 10- to 15-minute brisk walk typically elevates the heart rate to 110 to 120 beats per minute. Also, the sinus node increases the heart rate when the body is stressed because of illness. In all of these circumstances, the heart rate increase is a normal response.
Tachycardia may not cause any symptoms or complications. But if left untreated, some forms of tachycardia can lead to serious health problems, including heart failure, stroke or sudden cardiac death.
Call the doctor
If your heart rate increases to more than 120 -150 beats per minute, and if you experience shortness of breath or dizziness call 911 or your local emergency number and seek immediate medical attention.
To estimate your maximum age-related heart rate, subtract your age from 220. For example, for a 50-year-old person, the estimated maximum age-related heart rate would be calculated as 220 – 50 years = 170 beats per minute (bpm).
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
People with POTS experience a rapid heartbeat that can increase up to 120 beats per minute within 10 minutes of standing.
Normally, your heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute when you're not active. When your heart beats more than 100 times a minute at rest, that's tachycardia.
The "Normal" Heart Rate
Each day, your heart beats approximately 80,000 to 110,000 times, at an average rate of 60 to 80 beats per minute.
If your heart rate is over 100 beats per minute when you are at rest, this is considered fast. A rapid heart rate, also known as tachycardia, can be related to many different health conditions. It's normal for your heart rate to increase when you're exercising or if your body is fighting off an infection.
Normal Heart Rate at Rest for Adults
For most adults, a resting heart rate should be between 60 bpm and 100 bpm. Having a high heart rate when you're not being active can be a sign of a problem. For example, having a heart rate over 120 while resting could point to an abnormal heart rhythm.
If your heart rate is consistently above 100 beats per minute or below 60 beats per minute (and you're not an athlete) and if you are experiencing any symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness then you may need to visit a hospital.
Why does heart rate increase during exercise? 'With any intensity of exercise, the body needs more oxygenated blood to get into your vital organs. And the way the heart does that is it increases its cardiac output – which is your heart rate times the amount of blood your heart pumps with each beat.
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is when your heart rate increases very quickly after getting up from sitting or lying down. It can get better with changes to your lifestyle, but some people may need treatment with medicines. It's also known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.