Normal vs dangerous heart rate: How to tell the difference

Normal vs dangerous heart rate: How to tell the difference

A heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in a minute.

While heart rates vary from person to person, certain heart rates are considered dangerous.

For adults, a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM).

If your heart rate is too fast, it’s called tachycardia and a fast heart rate is over 100 BPM.

Tachycardia can result from an underlying health condition, stress, heavy caffeine consumption, anemia and hormonal problems.

If your heart rate is too slow, it’s referred to as bradycardia when your heart rate is less than 60 BPM.

While occasional bradycardia may not need treatment, prolonged bradycardia if not treated can become serious.

See a doctor if you notice sudden change in your heartbeat accompanied by shortness of breath, chest tightness or dizziness.

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