What is the typical range for a resting adult heart rate?

The typical range for a resting adult heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. This range is considered normal for most healthy adults at rest and is vital for assessing cardiovascular health. A heart rate within this range indicates that the heart is functioning efficiently to circulate blood throughout the body while meeting metabolic demands.

When the heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute, it may be a sign of bradycardia, which can occur in well-trained athletes or may indicate an underlying health issue in others. A heart rate above 100 beats per minute is referred to as tachycardia and can also signal a need for further evaluation, especially if it is persistent or accompanied by symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Understanding these parameters helps in monitoring a patient's heart health and provides critical insight during a clinical assessment.