Normal Resting Heart Rate by Age
Quick Answer
- Normal resting heart rate for adults: 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm)
- Athlete resting heart rate: 40 to 60 bpm
- Children (6 to 15 years): 70 to 100 bpm
- Infants: 100 to 160 bpm
A resting heart rate below 60 bpm in a fit adult (athlete) is called bradycardia and is usually healthy. In an unfit person it may need medical review.
Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are completely at rest. It is one of the simplest and most informative health metrics you can measure. A lower resting heart rate generally indicates better cardiovascular fitness. Use the free Target Heart Rate Calculator on CalConvs to find your training zones based on your age and resting heart rate.
How to Measure Your Resting Heart Rate
- For the most accurate reading, measure in the morning before getting out of bed.
- Place two fingers (not the thumb) on the inside of your wrist below the thumb, or on the side of your neck below the jaw.
- Count the beats for 60 seconds. This is your bpm. Or count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2.
- Take the measurement on three consecutive mornings and average the results.
Resting Heart Rate Ranges by Age
| Age Group | Normal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0 to 1 month) | 70 to 190 bpm | Highest heart rate of any life stage |
| Infant (1 to 11 months) | 80 to 160 bpm | Still much faster than adults |
| Toddler (1 to 2 years) | 80 to 130 bpm | Decreasing as heart grows |
| Child (7 to 9 years) | 70 to 110 bpm | Active play keeps heart rate variable |
| Pre-teen (10 to 15 years) | 60 to 100 bpm | Approaching adult range |
| Adult (18 to 64 years) | 60 to 100 bpm | Normal adult range |
| Fit adult athlete | 40 to 60 bpm | Bradycardia, healthy in trained individuals |
| Older adult (65+) | 60 to 100 bpm | Same range as younger adults |
What Affects Resting Heart Rate?
- Fitness level: Regular aerobic exercise lowers resting heart rate. Elite athletes often measure 40 to 50 bpm.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and raises heart rate.
- Caffeine: Can raise heart rate by 5 to 10 bpm in sensitive individuals.
- Dehydration: Reduces blood volume, causing the heart to beat faster to maintain circulation.
- Medications: Beta-blockers lower heart rate. Stimulants and some asthma medications raise it.
- Temperature: Heart rate rises in hot weather as the body works to cool itself.
Resting Heart Rate and Cardiovascular Health
| Resting HR | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 60 bpm (athletes) | Excellent cardiovascular fitness. Very low risk if otherwise healthy. |
| 60 to 70 bpm | Very good. Associated with lower cardiovascular risk. |
| 70 to 80 bpm | Normal and healthy for most adults. |
| 80 to 100 bpm | Normal but on the higher side. Worth monitoring. |
| Above 100 bpm at rest | Tachycardia. Consult a doctor if persistent. |
How to Lower Your Resting Heart Rate
- Regular aerobic exercise: 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity consistently lowers resting heart rate over months.
- Adequate sleep: poor sleep raises resting heart rate.
- Reduce caffeine intake: particularly in the afternoon and evening.
- Manage stress: chronic stress keeps the sympathetic nervous system activated.
- Stay hydrated: even mild dehydration raises heart rate.
- Avoid smoking: nicotine permanently elevates heart rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a resting heart rate of 55 bpm normal?
Yes. A resting heart rate of 55 bpm is below the standard adult range of 60 to 100 bpm, but it is perfectly normal and indicates good cardiovascular fitness. Many regular exercisers have resting heart rates in the 50s.
What is a dangerous resting heart rate?
A persistently high resting heart rate above 100 bpm (tachycardia) or an unexplained very low rate below 40 bpm in a non-athlete should be evaluated by a doctor. Single readings can be affected by many temporary factors.
Does resting heart rate increase with age?
In healthy adults, resting heart rate does not automatically increase with age. However, maximum heart rate decreases with age, which affects exercise capacity. Maintaining fitness through regular exercise can keep resting heart rate stable or even reduce it as you age.
Related Tools
- Target Heart Rate Calculator: find your training zones by age and resting heart rate
- BMI Calculator: weight and height screening
- All Health and Fitness Tools: 28 tools on CalConvs