A healthy heart rate | Cardiac Health

Submitted by Dr T on November 30, 2011 – 9:56am

Your heart rhythm

Question:

i have a question about heart rate. i know the normal is 60-100, it seems that during daily activities my heart rate even sitting is usially 100-105. after meals it seems to increase to 110-115. i am about 20 lbs overweight. 28 year old female. i was curious if a exercise routine would help to lower my heart rate, and if a rate at this level would warrent a doctor apt. i have recently been to the dr for a checkup and while i was there my bp was 119/78 and heartrate 98, but he did not comment on the heart rate. my respiration are normal as well around 13-14, so does it seem likely that the faster heart rate is because of the extra weight? thank you for your insight.

Hi Tiffany,

As you mentioned, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 – 100 beats/minute for an adult. While there is a lot of variation, a lower rate at rest generally implies a more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness.

Your heart is a muscle and like any other muscle in your body, it will become stronger through exercise. The result of reducing your heart rate to a lower level at rest means your heart is working less to pump the same amount of blood around your body. This effect will be enhanced by getting back to a normal weight, just like your car gets better mileage when it’s you alone driving it vs. fully loaded!

During aerobic workouts, paying close attention to your heart rate can help you work out longer, and burn more calories.

Hope this helps,

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