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Heart rate: is yours normal or fast?

Definition How to measure Normal values and frequency table by age Bradycardia, when the heartbeat is low Effect of other factors on heart rate When to call the doctor Maximum heart rate Sources and bibliography

Definition

The heart beat frequency, or pulse, is a number that indicates how many times the heart exerts its pumping activity in the space of one minute, or how many times it beats; Heart rate varies from person to person and knowing your heart rate helps monitor your fitness level, as well as allowing you to intercept the onset of certain heart problems. Heartbeat and blood pressure Heart rate is often thought to be closely related to blood pressure, but the results of the two measurements allow for different considerations and above all do not necessarily increase proportionally to each other. If, for example, the number of beats in a minute increases, even considerably, the body is able to compensate for this greater thrust of the blood by favoring the dilation of the blood vessels and thus reducing the pressure exerted on the walls; this phenomenon occurs for example during physical activity, in which - the heart rate increases considerably in case of intense exercise (in an athlete the increase can be almost 4 times), - while blood pressure undergoes only a very modest increase.

How to measure

To detect your resting heart rate, you must have stopped all activity for at least 10 minutes. The most reliable detection is obtained at the level of: - wrist, - inner elbow, - side of the neck, - back of foot, but it can also be measured in other areas where arterial vessels run close to the skin. In particular: - crook of the knee, - groin, - temple - inner side of the foot. To measure the pulse rate it is necessary to place the index and middle fingertips on the inner face of the other side, at the height of the base of the thumb. Then apply light pressure, keeping your fingertips flat until you feel the pulse. To measure neck frequency, place index and middle fingertips just lateral to the soft side of the Adam's apple. Press lightly until you find your pulse. It is important to remember that excessive pressure in this site can cause fainting, due to an immediate and severe hypotensive response (sinus-carotid reflex). Once you find your pulse, count your beats for one full minute. Alternatively, count beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, or for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4. This will give you beats per minute.

Normal values and frequency table by age

The heart rate at rest corresponds to the minimal pump activity of the heart (although in reality the frequency decreases further during sleep): in fact, the body has the minimum need for blood if it is at rest. In subjects who are sitting or lying down, relaxed and not sick, the heart rate is normally between 60 and 100 beats per minute. - Infants 0 to 1 month: 70 – 190 beats per minute - Infants 1 to 11 months: 80 – 160 beats per minute - Children 1 to 2 years: 80 – 130 beats per minute - Children 3 to 4 years: 80 – 120 beats per minute - Children 5 to 6 years: 75 – 115 beats per minute - Children 7 to 9 years old: 70 – 110 beats per minute - Children 10 years and older and adults (including the elderly) 60 – 100 beats per minute - Well trained athletes 40 – 60 beats per minute However, many doctors believe that normal values ​​should be revised downwards. According to Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of the women's heart health center at Lenox Hill Hospital, the ideal value would be between 50 and 70 beats per minute. Recent studies suggest that resting heart rates above 75-80 beats per minute are related to an increased risk of heart attack. The fitter a person is, the lower the heart rate is at rest. - The term tachycardia refers to a rapid pulse, i.e. a resting rate above 100 bpm (beats per minute). - Bradycardia, on the other hand, is a slowed pulse, with a resting heart rate below 60 bpm. During sleep, a slow heart rate between 40 and 50 bpm is common and considered normal.

Bradycardia, when the heartbeat is low

A beat below 60 does not necessarily indicate a problem, it could be due to taking medications such as beta-blockers. A low value is also typical of very athletic subjects or those who practice sports intensively. Physically active people often have lower heart rates because the heart muscle is trained and doesn't need to work as hard to maintain a stable condition.

Effect of other factors on heart rate

- Environmental temperature: a sudden increase in temperature (and humidity) slightly increases the work of the heart, therefore the heart rate can increase, even if generally the increase is limited to no more than 5-10 bpm. - Body position: usually the pulse is the same when lying down, sitting or standing, but sometimes the heart rate can rise slightly in the first 15 to 20 seconds of standing, then return to baseline within a couple of minutes. - Emotions: Under conditions of stress, anxiety, or excitement (extreme euphoria or despondency), the heart rate may increase. - Body Size: Typically, they do not affect the pulse. Obese individuals may have a resting heart rate slightly higher than normal, but typically no higher than 100. - Drugs: Drugs that block the action of adrenaline (beta-blockers) tend to slow the pulse, while an excess of drugs to stimulate the thyroid (eg Eutirox, prescribed in hypothyroidism) increases it.

When to call the doctor

Your doctor may ask you to monitor and record your heart rate while you are being treated with beta-blockers to reduce your pulse (and blood pressure) or to control abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias). Knowing the pattern of your pulse can help your doctor determine whether to change your dosage or even your prescribed medication. If your pulse is very low or if you experience frequent unexplained episodes of rapid heartbeat (especially if they cause you to feel weak or dizzy or faint), notify your doctor who will decide whether this is an emergency. The pulse is a tool that helps establish health conditions.

Maximum heart rate

When you practice physical activity, how do you know when you're overdoing it and when you're not pushing enough? There is a simple way to establish it, even if it is approximate and to be declined according to one's physical form: the maximum heart rate, which helps to reach and maintain the right level. The starting point Before learning how to calculate and monitor the ideal heart rate for exercise, you need to know your resting pulse, which is the number of beats in one minute at rest. It is advisable to take the measurement in the morning, after a good night's sleep and before getting up. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average resting heart rate is: - 60 – 100 bpm in children 10 years of age and older and adults (including the elderly) - 40 – 60 bpm in well trained athletes Reach the ideal frequency Once you have established your resting heart rate, you can determine your ideal exercise heart rate. During physical activity: - Periodically take your heart rate, measuring it on the inside of the wrist, on the thumb side. - Use your index and middle fingers (not thumb) to gently squeeze the blood vessels in your wrist. - Count beats for 10 seconds and multiply by 6 to calculate beats per minute. - A heart rate between 50 and 85% of your maximum heart rate should be achieved. The ideal heart rate lies within this range of values. The table below shows the ideal heart rates according to age. The maximum heart rate is approximately 220 minus age. In the age group closest to your own, find your ideal heart rate value. During moderate physical activity, the ideal value is about 50-69% of the maximum heart rate, while for intense efforts it ranges from about 70% to less than 90%. The data shown are average values, so use them as general guidelines. AgeRange 50-85% (ideal HR)100% (average max HR)20 years100-170 beats per minute (bpm)200 bpm30 years95-162 bpm190 bpm35 years93-157 bpm185 bpm40 years90-153 bpm180 bpm45 years88-149 bpm175 bpm50 years old85-145 bpm170 bpm55 years old83-140 bpm165 bpm60 years80-136 bpm160 bpm65 years old78-132 bpm155 bpm70 years old75-128 bpm150 bpm Source: heart.org Important note: Some antihypertensive drugs lower the maximum heart rate and thus the target heart rate range. If you are being treated with such drugs, consult your doctor whether a lower ideal heart rate should be used. What the values ​​say - If your heart rate is too high, the effort is too much. So, it needs to be reduced. - If too low and the perception of the intensity of the exercise is "mild" or "moderate/intense", the effort can be intensified a little. During the first few weeks of training, set a goal to reach the lower levels of your ideal heart rate range (50%) and then gradually increase until you reach the higher levels (85%). After 6 months or more, you can safely exercise up to ideal HR levels of 85%. It is important to remember that this is not an absolute rule, but only a general orientation tool, to be declined with the help of a sports doctor to your specific case; it is recommended to avoid excessive efforts (for example exercises that prevent normal conversation) in case of doubts. Patients with heart disease or in cardiac rehabilitation should first consult their doctor on the type of exercise to perform, on which ideal heart rate to consider and whether to perform the exercise under monitoring. This will also help you choose the types of physical activity that are appropriate for your fitness level and health goals, because some efforts are safer than others.

Sources and bibliography

- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - heart.org - CDC - NIH.gov Read the full article

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Itching all over the body: what does it mean

Causes of widespread itching Very dry skin Allergic skin reaction Eczema Current infection or illness Anemia Overactive thyroid Side effect of a drug Diabetes Itching is always annoying but when it is not localized and affects the whole body, the feeling of discomfort increases considerably. The causes can be different and to intervene and appease him it is essential to know them.

Causes of widespread itching

- Very dry skin - Allergic skin reaction - Eczema - Current infection or illness - Anemia - Overactive thyroid - Side effect of a drug - Diabetes

Very dry skin

One of the most common causes of itching, especially during the winter months, is dry skin, a condition often accompanied by roughness to the touch and a scaly surface. While you can't completely change your skin type, you can change some habits that can exacerbate dryness. Better, for example, to avoid too hot showers and don't forget to apply a moisturizer immediately after using it, to help the skin retain moisture. In some cases dry skin can be associated with atopic dermatitis and if in doubt it is advisable to undergo a visit to the dermatologist.

Allergic skin reaction

Sometimes allergic reactions can present as a rash on the skin accompanied by uncontrollable itching. Substances such as nickel, perfume or latex, found in many everyday products, can be common causes of such reactions. To eliminate itching associated with an allergic reaction, it is recommended to make an appointment with a dermatologist who can help determine its cause. To aid in the diagnosis it may be helpful to note any new products you have recently used that may be irritating your skin, such as laundry detergent, body wash, or body lotion, and stop using them to see if the itching goes away.

Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory condition that causes itchy and sometimes dry or flaky skin, rashes, blisters, and skin infections. It can first appear in childhood or begin in adulthood, usually in your 20s or over 50. Mild eczema is usually localized but in severe cases it can spread throughout the body and cause constant itching. Light skin affected by eczema often appears red, while dark skin may appear dark brown, purple, or gray. There is no cure for eczema, but symptoms can usually be managed with home remedies such as bathing and moisturizing regularly, managing stress, and avoiding flare-up triggers. Over-the-counter eczema creams can help, as can anti-itch lotions, but if these products aren't enough, consult a dermatologist.

Current infection or illness

Certain infections or conditions such as chicken pox, fungal infections, scabies, bed bug attacks, bed mites, and fleas can cause itchiness all over the body. In this case, the itching will disappear once the cause is eliminated.

Anemia

Anemia is usually associated with symptoms such as weakness and fatigue but can also lead to widespread itching, with or without a rash. While there's no official explanation for why people with anemia may develop a rash, one theory is that low levels of iron make the skin thinner and dehydrate it, leading to itching. A visible rash due to this cause may appear as small red or purple dots under the skin called petechiae, which may become bumpy and blotchy if you scratch. They are usually not painful.

Overactive thyroid

One of the lesser known but common symptoms of hyperthyroidism is itching. With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, and this can cause dry skin, which can lead to itching, as well as a rash. If you suffer from itchy skin related to hyperthyroidism, anti-itch moisturizers and lotions are your best bet. But it's also important to talk to your doctor or an endocrinologist who specializes in treating thyroid disorders to make sure you're taking the right medications to keep the situation under control.

Side effect of a drug

Certain medications such as aspirin, prescription opioids, and even some antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft can cause itchy skin. If you have any doubts that the discomfort you are experiencing is related to taking a particular drug you are taking, especially since the onset began shortly after you started taking this drug, it is advisable to discuss it with your doctor and, in the if possible, consider substituting the medicine.

Diabetes

While the most common symptoms associated with diabetes are frequent urination and thirst, there are many others, including itching without a rash, due to high blood sugar, which can make your skin dry more easily. If you have diabetes and itchy skin, hydration is a great first step in protecting your skin barrier and maintaining proper moisture levels. If these solutions do not work, seek advice from your doctor, who may consider prescribing a steroid cream. Read the full article