Characteristics of a Normal Heart Rate and Disorders that Can Happen

Everyone has a normal heart rate that is different and can be affected by many things, including certain health conditions. Now, by knowing a normal heart rate, you can also be more alert to the possibility of heart problems.

Heart rate is regulated by the electrical system in the heart organ. A normal heartbeat will sound in rhythm and the same with each beat. This indicates the heart is functioning properly.

Meanwhile, the abnormal heartbeat will sound irregular and even a loud noise will be heard outside of the main heartbeat sound.

As you age, the pattern of the regularity of your heartbeat can change. Changes in the regularity of the heartbeat can also indicate a medical condition in the heart or other medical conditions that need to be treated immediately.

To be aware of the early signs of heart problems that can occur, a simple way that can be done is to pay attention to a normal heart rate. Abnormalities in heart rate can indicate a disturbance in the function and performance of the heart.

Heart Rate

Normally, an adult's resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute. However, there are many factors that can affect a normal heart rate, such as activity performed, fitness level, air temperature, side effects of medications, emotions, and body size.

Heart rate will usually increase during exercise, because the body requires additional oxygen intake so the heart needs to pump blood faster to meet the body's needs.

When exercising, the normal heart rate of an adult aged 20–35 years is 95–170 beats per minute and at the age of 35–50 years is between 85–155 beats per minute.

Meanwhile, the elderly over 60 years, the normal heart rate when exercising ranges from 80-130 times per minute.

Recognize Variety Heart Rhythm Disorder

Medically, heart rhythm disturbances are known as arrhythmias. This condition is characterized by a heart rate that is too fast, slow, irregular, or even stops altogether.

Arrhythmias can be caused by various things, such as a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, thyroid disorders, electrolyte disturbances, or are recovering from heart surgery.

An unhealthy lifestyle, such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, as well as the side effects of medications, can also cause arrhythmias.

Arrhythmia disease is broadly divided into two, namely tachycardia and bradycardia. Here is the explanation:

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a condition when the heart beats faster at rest. The exact cause of this condition is not known, but there are several factors that are thought to trigger tachycardia.

These factors include heredity, a history of certain diseases such as heart disease and anemia, side effects of drugs, or habits such as smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.

Tachycardia can cause complaints in the form of chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. However, there are times when tachycardia does not cause any symptoms or complaints.

Bradycardia

A heart rate that is too slow is called bradycardia. Normally, the heart beats 60–100 times per minute at rest. However, in the condition of bradycardia, the heart rate is less than 60 times in one minute.

This condition can be influenced by factors of increasing age, smoking habits, side effects of drugs, or a history of diseases such as high blood pressure or thyroid disorders.

For some people, a heart rate that is too slow is not a problem. However, this condition can be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system.

Bradycardia can cause complaints in the form of shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, fainting, dizziness, and fatigue even if you do little activity.

Recognizing a normal heart rate can keep you from a variety of heart problems. To maintain a healthy heart, it is important to always adopt a healthy lifestyle, namely by eating healthy and nutritious foods, exercising regularly, not smoking, and regularly checking health conditions.

If you want to find out more about your normal heart rate or if you experience symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder, don't hesitate to consult a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be carried out.