Rapid or slow heart rates are both signs of an unhealthy body. In Hong Kong, many people spend long hours sitting in offices, lack exercise, and have unhealthy diets, which can burden the heart and lead to abnormal heartbeats.

What is a normal heart rate per minute?

Heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute (bpm), while heart rhythm refers to the regularity of heartbeats. Heart rate can be divided into resting heart rate (when resting or relaxed) and maximum heart rate (during exercise), and the target rate varies with age. Generally, the younger the age, the higher the heart rate:

Resting heart rate

Children aged ten or above and seniors – Normal range is 60 to 100 bpm

Well-trained athletes – Normal range is 40 to 60 bpm

Maximum heart rate

The simplest calculation method is subtracting the age from 220. For example, a 30-year-old office worker should have a maximum heart rate of 220 - 30 = 190 bpm during exercise, while a 50-year-old middle-aged person should have a maximum heart rate of 220 - 50 = 170 bpm. However, the target heart rate varies depending on factors such as the individual's health status, diseases, and gender.

Why does the heart rate become too fast or too slow?

A rapid heart rate is defined as a resting heart rate exceeding 100 bpm.

The causes of a rapid heart rate include fever, anxiety, hyperthyroidism, anaemia, the use of bronchodilators, etc. However, some individuals may experience a rapid heart rate without any discomfort. In such cases, treatment may not be necessary. Nevertheless, it is best to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and determine whether it is related to serious conditions such as heart disease or ventricular fibrillation.

A slow heart rate is defined as a resting heart rate below 60 bpm.

The causes of a slow heart rate include hypothyroidism or the use of medications for high blood pressure or arrhythmia. If an individual who is not a well-trained athlete experiences a slow heart rate, it may indicate insufficient pumping of blood by the heart, leading to oxygen and blood supply deficiency in the body. This can result in a compensatory increase in ventricular activity to supply more blood, which, in the long run, can increase the risk of sudden death within a few minutes. Therefore, it is important to seek prompt medical attention.

A rapid heart rate could be caused by serious health issues. Depending on the individual situation, doctors may arrange tests such as a resting and exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests or imaging tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

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