Anything above 85 percent increase risks to the orthopedic and cardiovascular system, with minimal added benefits from the exercise. However, it is not recommended to exceed 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. This may be increased or decreased depending on your health factors, and your health care provider may want you to limit the target heart rate zone to 50 percent. Your target heart rate when exercising is normally 60 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. Target heart rate: You can maximize the benefits and reduce the risks when you are exercising within your target heart rate zone. For example, a 30 year old's approximate maximum heart rate is 220 - 30 = 190 beats/min. One method to calculate your approximate maximum heart rate is the formula: 220 - (your age) = approximate maximum heart rate. Your maximum heart rate is the highest heart rate that is achieved during strenuous exercise. Peripheral arterial disease (diseases of the blood vessels).Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).Heart disease and medication for treatment.Stimulants such as amphetamines, diet pills, caffeine, and tobacco.You can seek the advice of your health care provider for any health conditions you may have that can affect your pulse. However, various factors may affect your heart rate and make it different to the ranges in the normal heart rate chart above. Normally, your heart rate should have a strong steady rhythm.
Then compare it to the normal heart rate chart below:Ĭhart. 2 Factors That May Affect Your Heart Rate Then multiply the number of heartbeats by 6 to get your heart rate per minute, or number of beats = _ x 6 = _beats/min.
Once you feel a pulse, use the second hand of a watch or clock to time 10 seconds while simultaneously counting your heart beats. You may have to feel around until you feel the pulse beneath your fingers. You can also check your pulse by placing two fingers on your neck beside the windpipe.
Brisk walking heart rate how to#
How to Take Your Heart RateĬheck your own pulse by placing the tips of your first three fingers lightly on the inside of your wrist below your thumb. Generally speaking, a lower heart rate functions more effectively and efficiently. Normal Heart Rate Chart When RestingĪ resting heart rate is defined as a pulse that is taken when you are calm, sitting or lying down, and the best time to measure a resting heart rate is in the morning before you leave the bed. Pulse rates can also be felt and measured at the carotid artery located on the side of the neck, the temporal artery at the temple, or the femoral artery on the anterior side of the hip, and a chart showing normal heart rate can be used to check on your heart rate. The left atrium is sent oxygen enriched blood from the lungs and delivers it to the left ventricle, where it's then pumped throughout the body, and the ventricular contractions create blood pressure.Ī pulse is the beating of the heart as it's felt through the walls of an artery, such as the radial artery at the wrist. It's then pumped into the lungs where it is oxygenated. The right atrium is sent blood from the veins, and delivers it to the right ventricle. The heart is an organ located just behind and slightly to the left of the breastbone, and pumps blood through a network of veins and arteries known as the circulatory system.