What Is Considered a Dangerous Heart Rate?

You may have heard that a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, and for most adults, that’s true. However, what’s normal for one person might be a cause for concern in another.

Your primary care provider is the best source of information on what a healthy heart rate is for you, but understanding the fundamentals of this vital sign can empower you to take a more active role in your own health. It can also guide you on when to seek medical attention for a heart rate that may be dangerous.

Ultimately, it's not just about the number, but also the context surrounding it.

Understanding Resting Heart Rate

Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when your body is in a state of complete rest. This is best measured when you’re calm and relaxed, ideally in the morning just after you wake up, but before you get out of bed.

You can easily check your own heart rate. Simply place two fingers (not your thumb) on the inside of your wrist on the thumb side. You can also find your pulse on the side of your neck. Once you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply that number by two to find your beats per minute. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers can also provide this measurement.

A lower resting heart rate typically indicates more efficient heart function and improved cardiovascular fitness. For example, a very fit athlete might have a normal resting heart rate of around 40 beats per minute because their heart muscle is conditioned to pump a greater volume of blood with each beat.

When Is a Heart Rate Dangerous?

Considering that heart rates vary from person to person and can fluctuate temporarily with exercise, your emotional state, and other factors, a rate that’s consistently too fast or too slow may be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats too fast, typically at a rate of over 100 beats per minute at rest.

Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, typically at a rate below 60 beats per minute at rest.

An abnormal heart rate can be dangerous because it may mean your heart isn't pumping blood effectively. However, a heart rate outside the normal range is not always a medical emergency.

It’s crucial to be aware of other symptoms that may accompany an abnormal heart rate. These can include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Fluttering in your chest
• Confusion
• Fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially when accompanied by a heart rate outside the normal range, you should seek emergency medical attention.

When To Consult Your Healthcare Provider About Non-Emergency Heart Rate Concerns

It's a good idea to talk to your primary care provider if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats per minute or below 60 beats per minute (and you're not an athlete). They can help you understand what a normal heart rate is for your specific circumstances and can recommend lifestyle changes or medical treatments if needed.

Regular check-ups are the best way to monitor your heart health and address any concerns you may have.

If you have concerns about your heart health, take a heart Health Risk Assessment, call 1.877.371.4506 to speak with our Baptist Health heart care team, or visit our provider directory to find a cardiologist near you.