Pulse Rate Chart
Using our Pulse Rate Chart, you can learn more about the heart's inner workings and how they may indicate overall health and well-being.
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What is a Pulse Rate Chart?
A Pulse Rate Chart is a reference tool that allows individuals and healthcare practitioners, such as nurses or health coaches, to track an individual's pulse rate. Pulse rate is how heart rate is measured, whereby by finding the pulse, we can gauge how quickly the heart is beating per minute (bpm).
A normal pulse rate often sits between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but they may differ due to physical fitness, stress, and medication (LeWine, 2023). The human heart beats between 70 and 85 times per minute in adults, with men's pulse rate averaging 70 to 72 beats and women's 78 to 82 beats per minute. This difference is primarily due to females having smaller hearts, requiring them to beat faster to match the output of larger male hearts (Prabhavathi et al., 2014). However, the normal heart rate range can also change as a response to the environment or the type of activity the body is performing.
Every time the heart beats, it pumps blood through the arteries that travel through the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to fuel its activities. This circulation results in higher pressure in the arteries every time the heart contracts, which stops as the heart relaxes and creates the pulse sensation that is felt in areas such as the neck, wrist, and elbow. The minimal amount of blood the heart pumps when the body is calm and relaxed is reflected in the resting heart rate. A higher resting heart rate is linked with higher blood pressure, body weight, and lower physical fitness.
The Pulse Rate Chart visually represents the ranges in which heart rate should sit within each age range when individuals are awake but at rest, otherwise called resting heart rate (American Heart Association, 2024). Pulse rate can also indicate cardiovascular fitness, as a lower resting heart rate often signifies better cardiovascular fitness. A resting heart rate chart helps healthcare practitioners and individuals monitor cardiovascular health and assess progress at rest and during exercise by displaying heart rate ranges for different age groups and fitness levels.
Pulse Rate Chart Template
Pulse Rate Chart Example
How does it work?
A heart rate chart can help indicate heart functioning and may be a screening tool that health practitioners can use in routine wellness measurements. It provides recommended pulse rates (heart rates) by age, which can be used to identify whether an individual's heart is functioning at an average rate. Here are some steps that break down how to use the chart:
Step 1: Access the Pulse Rate Chart
You can access our free Pulse Rate Chart here or download it as a PDF for reference. We've also included a target heart rate zone chart, which is helpful when performing physical activity. The target heart rate refers to the optimal speed at which the heart should beat during exercise.
Step 2: Find your patient's pulse
The pulse point can be found by feeling any of the following arteries using light pressure of the ring and index fingers. Take care not to press too hard; if you cannot feel it in one area, it may feel stronger in another artery point. Try the following areas:
- Carotid artery (neck): Trace your fingers along the earlobe until you reach below the jaw.
- Radial artery (wrist): With the palm facing the sky, press the area where the thumb meets the wrist.
- Brachial artery (inside the elbow): With your palm facing the sky, use your fingers to find the hollow section of the elbow. Then, trace your upwards to the body until you feel the pulse.
Alternatively, healthcare practitioners may find a pulse in the following areas. Note these are slightly more difficult to find on your own or without training:
- Abdominal aorta (belly)
- Popliteal artery (behind the knee)
- Apical artery (in the chest, above the heart)
Step 3: Determine heart rate (pulse)
Count how many pulses you feel in a timed minute, or count how many pulses you feel in 30 seconds, and multiply this value by two. This will give you the heart rate in beats per minute (bpm).
Step 4: Interpret the chart
Using the Pulse Rate Chart, compare the measured rate with the resting heart rate table. This will show whether the individual's resting heart rate is within the normal age range.
When would you use this chart?
Using a normal Pulse Rate Chart can be used under various circumstances requiring measuring and monitoring pulse rates and heart health. For individuals with heart disease, it is crucial to use the chart to monitor their condition regularly and manage any serious complications. Here are some scenarios in which it would be beneficial to use a Pulse Rate Chart:
Routine health checks for normal resting heart rate
Using the chart when conducting routine health measurements allows healthcare professionals to gain an indication of heart function and overall health status. Pulse rates out of the normative range may indicate an underlying health condition, such as anemia or arrhythmia (British Heart Foundation, 2024).
Monitoring medication progress
Individuals using prescription medications such as beta blockers to control blood pressure or asthma medications can alter pulse rate. Though rate change may not occur often or may not be significant, individuals need to monitor and discuss any pulse changes or symptoms with their healthcare provider. Additionally, healthcare professionals may use the pulse rate to monitor changes, using this information to inform dosage and the prescribed medication type (British Heart Foundation, 2024).
Informing exercise prescription
Health coaches may use the chart to inform clients about the training plans they prescribe. Using the exercise heart rate chart, they may use the maximum and target heart rate zones to gauge exercise intensity based on age.
Monitoring vital signs in healthcare
The average maximum heart rate varies, and the chart can be a key indicator for monitoring vitals in healthcare contexts, such as in the ICU or during pregnancy. This can be an important diagnostic for cardiovascular changes often accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness, or dizziness.
References
American Heart Association. (2024, May 13). All about heart rate. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/all-about-heart-rate-pulse
British Heart Foundation. (2024, April 10). What is a normal pulse rate? Heart Matters. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/pulse-rate
LeWine, H. E. (2023, June 13). What your heart rate is telling you. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/what-your-heart-rate-is-telling-you
Prabhavathi, K., Tamarai Selvi, K., Poornima, K. N., & Sarvanan, A. (2014). Role of biological sex in normal cardiac function and in its disease outcome – a review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(8). https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2014/9635.4771
Commonly asked questions
A good pulse rate varies by age, with generally accepted ranges being 60-100 beats per minute for adults. For children and infants, the rate is typically higher, ranging from 70-100 beats per minute or more depending on their age. It's important to note that individual factors such as fitness level and overall health can also influence what is considered a good pulse rate.
An unsafe pulse rate is generally considered to be below 40 beats per minute (bradycardia) or above 120 beats per minute (tachycardia) at rest. Such rates can indicate underlying health issues, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you experience consistently abnormal rates, especially if accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
For a 70-year-old, a normal resting pulse rate typically falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, active older adults may have lower rates due to better cardiovascular fitness. It's important for seniors to consult their healthcare provider to determine what is normal for their specific health situation.
A normal range for women generally ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest, similar to men. Factors such as age, fitness level, and hormonal changes can affect pulse rates. Women who are physically fit may have lower resting heart rates, so it’s always best to discuss individual health with a healthcare professional.
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