Seriously: Listen to Your Heart. Here’s Why.
When was the last time you took your heart rate? There’s no wrong answer—but regularly checking your heart rate can provide valuable insight to your health. And, it may also be a lifesaver. Let’s see what your heart rate says about your health.
There are many factors that affect your heart rate, including age and fitness levels. Now, the big question: what’s normal? A healthy heart rate for adults can range between 60 and 100 beats per minute. If your heart rate is consistently above 100 beats per minute (BPM), talk to your doctor. Or, if you see rates consistently under 60 BPM, and you’re not an athlete, your doctor will want to know.
- High heart rate: Known as Tachycardia, this is when your heart rate is over 100 beats per minute.
- Low heart rate: Bradycardia is when your heart rate is under 60 beats per minute.
Here’s how to check your heart rate at home. Take your index and ring finger together and gently press on any of the following areas:
- On your neck just under your jawbone is the carotid artery. Generally, this is the easiest location to get a good feel for your pulse.
- Located on your wrist is the radial artery. Hold your hand with your palm facing up. Aim for where your thumb meets your wrist.
- The brachial artery is on the inside of your elbow. You should be able to feel your pulse just slightly off-center of the inside of your elbow.
Over time, tracking your heart rate will help you stay in touch with your body. In the event of any changes, you’ll be much more likely to notice. Plus, this will help your doctor catch any issues early or treat you for anything that comes up.
Hypertension Management is Here
A healthy heart is central to healthy living. And with our Hypertension Management Program, we can help you get there. Click here to see how you can track your blood pressure numbers at home with a blood pressure monitor at no out-of-pocket cost.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/heart-rate/faq-20057979
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17402-pulse--heart-rate
