Pulse Rate: When Does High Require Hospitalization?

A person's pulse rate, or heart rate, is the number of times their heart beats per minute. A normal resting heart rate for adults falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm), but this can vary from person to person. A heart rate of over 100 bpm that occurs with shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or loss of consciousness may be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Factors influencing heart rate

A typical resting pulse rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Depending on your activity level, your rate can be higher or lower. For instance, a heart rate of 150 bpm may fall into the category of vigorous exercise for most adults. However, a heart rate of over 100 bpm that occurs with shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or trouble breathing may be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

• Body Weight: People with obesity may have a higher resting heart rate as the heart has to work harder to supply the body with blood.
• Anaemia: In anaemia, low levels of red blood cells can cause the heart to beat faster to supply the body with oxygen-rich blood.
• Endocrine or hormonal abnormalities: Abnormal levels of some hormones can influence heart rate. For example, too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) can increase heart rate, while too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) can decrease it.
• Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS): This syndrome produces an abnormal increase in heart rate after sitting up or standing. Some typical symptoms of PoTS include dizziness and fainting, in addition to heart palpitations.
• Body positioning: Heart rate can increase temporarily when moving from a sitting to a standing position.
• Age and general health: Your age and general health can also affect your pulse rate. For instance, a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute or less is common for athletes, fit and healthy young adults, or those taking medications like beta-blockers.
• Infection or fever: Your heart rate may increase in response to an infection or fever as your heart pumps harder to deliver oxygen and immune cells around your body. Viral infections such as the flu or Covid-19 may cause your heart rate to increase.
• Medications: Some medications can also cause changes to your heart rate. For example, certain asthma medications can cause your heart rate to speed up, while heart medications (like beta-blockers) can make your heart rate slow down.
• Temperature: Outside temperatures may affect heart rate, and an increase in body temperature may increase the heart rate.
• Exercise: Your heart rate increases with the intensity of the activity you're doing. It's normal for your heart rate to increase to 130 to 150 beats per minute or more when you exercise, as your heart is working to pump more oxygen-rich blood around your body.

When to seek medical attention

A typical resting pulse rate for adults falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). This rate can be higher or lower depending on factors such as age, body weight, fitness level, and emotional state. For instance, well-trained athletes may have resting heart rates in the 40s, while obesity may cause a higher resting heart rate.

While a high pulse rate does not always indicate a serious problem, a rapid heart rate accompanied by specific symptoms may require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency medical care if you experience a rapid heart rate or tachycardia (over 100 bpm) with the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue

If you are experiencing a consistently fast, slow, or irregular heart rate, it is recommended to consult a doctor or GP. They can help determine if there are underlying causes or conditions contributing to these abnormalities.

How to measure heart rate

A typical resting pulse rate for adults falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). However, this can vary from person to person. For instance, athletes, fit and healthy young adults, or those taking medications like beta-blockers may have a slower heart rate. A heart rate of over 100 bpm accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or trouble breathing may be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Using Your Fingers

Place your index and middle fingertips gently on the side of your neck, just below your jawline, or on the inside of your wrist, below the base of your thumb. Count the number of beats you feel for 15 seconds. Multiply the number of beats by 4 to get your heart rate for a minute. For example, if you counted 20 beats in 15 seconds, your heart rate would be 80 beats per minute. You can also take your pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, or for a whole minute for the most accurate measurement.

Using a Device

You can use a digital fitness tracker, which uses a wireless sensor on a strap that you wrap around your chest to detect your pulse electronically. The sensor then sends the data to a wristwatch-style receiver that displays your heart rate. Some wristwatches have sensors on the back that determine your heart rate by measuring blood flow through the skin, but these are slightly less accurate.

Using a Smartphone App

Various smartphone apps are available that use your phone's camera to sense the pulse in your finger. Place your finger on the phone's camera lens, and the app will detect colour changes in your finger each time your heart beats.

Using a Treadmill or Elliptical Machine

Treadmills, elliptical machines, and other exercise equipment often feature handgrip heart rate monitors. These rely on trace amounts of sweat from your palms and the metal on the grips to detect the electric signal of your heartbeat. However, experts don't recommend these for checking your heart rate as they are notoriously inaccurate.

It is important to note that you should not measure your heart rate within one to two hours after exercise, experiencing stress, or consuming caffeine, as these can cause temporary elevations in your heart rate. It is also recommended to be in a comfortable position for at least 5 minutes before taking your measurement.

What is tachycardia?

Tachycardia is a type of heart arrhythmia characterised by a resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute (bpm). While tachycardia can be mild, it can also indicate a more severe or life-threatening condition. The condition can be further classified according to the origin of the rapid heartbeat, with some types being more severe than others. For example, ventricular tachycardia, which originates in the lower chambers of the heart, can lead to cardiac arrest.

Tachycardia can be caused by a range of factors, including increased exertion, stress, fear, medications, fever, alcohol and drug use, electrolyte imbalance, and excessive caffeine consumption. Underlying health issues, such as anaemia, endocrine or hormonal abnormalities, and structural heart problems, can also contribute to the development of tachycardia. In pregnant women, the resting heart rate can increase by 10 to 20 beats per minute.

The treatment for tachycardia focuses on slowing the rapid heartbeat and preventing future episodes by addressing the underlying cause. Treatment options may include medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, vagal maneuvers to stimulate the vagus nerve, cardioversion to restore the heart's natural rhythm, or catheter ablation to block irregular heartbeats.

While tachycardia can sometimes be asymptomatic, it may also present with symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness. If tachycardia is accompanied by any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention.

Although there is no specific heart rate cutoff for a dangerously high pulse, a resting rate exceeding 100 bpm is generally considered tachycardia and may be cause for concern, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. However, it is important to note that a normal resting heart rate can vary from person to person, and factors such as age, weight, general health, and activity level can influence an individual's typical pulse rate.

Potential causes of a rapid heart rate

A typical resting pulse rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is defined as a heart rate above 100 bpm at rest. While a rapid heart rate can be a normal response to exercise or stress, it can also indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing a consistently rapid heart rate, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out any potential causes for concern. Here are some potential causes of a rapid heart rate:

Exercise and Activity

It is normal for your heart rate to increase during exercise or physical activity. The heart rate can range from 130 to 150 beats per minute or more during exercise, depending on the intensity of the activity.

Infection or Fever

When your body is fighting an infection or fever, your heart rate may increase as your heart pumps harder to deliver oxygen and immune cells throughout your body. Viral infections such as the flu or COVID-19 may cause a rapid heart rate.

Substance and Tobacco Use

The use of certain substances, including tobacco, caffeine, alcohol, and drugs, can lead to a rapid heart rate. This includes the use of cocaine, methamphetamines, and certain over-the-counter medications such as asthma inhalers, cold medicines, and allergy medications.

Hormonal Abnormalities

Abnormal levels of certain hormones can influence heart rate. For example, hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) can increase heart rate, while hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) can decrease it.

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)

PoTS is a condition that causes an abnormal increase in heart rate when sitting up or standing. It can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and fainting, in addition to a rapid heart rate.

Anemia

In anemia, low levels of red blood cells can cause the heart to beat faster to compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

If you are experiencing a rapid heart rate along with symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or shortness of breath, it is important to seek immediate medical attention as it could indicate a serious underlying condition.

Frequently asked questions