Keeping tabs on your resting heart rate is crucial when it comes to taking certain types of medications, being on certain types of treatments, and with varying health conditions such as MS or heart conditions. By recording your resting heart rate, you can help your healthcare professional determine if a treatment is working for you or not.
Even a completely healthy individual can still benefit from knowing and understanding their resting heart rate—what it typically is, and how to find it—especially if they’re exercising and looking to be more healthy.
What is a normal resting heart rate, anyway?
A normal resting heart rate falls between 60-100 beats per minute. Each person’s number varies. Children are more likely to have a higher resting heart rate than adults. And remember, if you’re taking medication or have a medical issue, your normal resting heart rate is more likely to vary.
How does someone keep an eye on his or her resting heart rate?
Monitoring your heart rate is easier today than ever before. Fitness trackers are one way. All the user has to do is where the band, and it’ll track their heart rate, usually both resting and active. Not all fitness bands track your heart rate though, so make sure to check the product description.
There’s also the traditional method of taking a pulse.
— Make sure you’ve been at rest for at least 10 minutes before taking your pulse.
— Using one hand, place the tips the index and middle fingers either below the base of the thumb, or on your lower neck, on either side of your windpipe.
— Count your pulse for 10 seconds.
— Multiply that number x6 to find out how many pulses your heart’s beating per minute.
Remember to keep a journal of your resting heart rate, whether it’s on your phone, computer or hand-written. If you have a fitness band, it probably does this for you. Write down the date, time of day, and you’re resting heart rate. Consult your healthcare professional to make sure that you’re correctly reading and monitoring your heart rate. It’s simple, and can help save valuable time and money when it comes to finding the best treatment plan for you.