In Chinese ancient medicine, up to 70 different types of pulse are distinguished! Interestingly, the body is diagnosed here based on the measurement of heart rate. This is a kind of indicator of the health status of the entire human body. Indeed, the rhythm of the heart plays a crucial role in our life, and if there are any malfunctions in the work of this or that organ, the pulse will definitely give a signal about it. So what pulse does an adult have to be able to say that he is normal?
WHO heart rate
Interestingly, this indicator in children and adults is very different. Thus, the heart rate in an infant is approximately two times higher than in an adult. With age, the pulse decreases, and by the age of 17 the adolescent’s heart rate is approaching the “adult” mark.
According to WHO, the pulse rate in an adult ranges from 60 to 80 beats per minute. A slight increase is also allowed - up to 90 strokes. If the values are higher or lower, then you should consult a doctor, as this may indicate any abnormalities in the work of the heart and other diseases. For example, many athletes have very low heart rates - up to 40 strokes, that is, they suffer from bradycardia. An ordinary person who does not have constant exhausting physical exertion should not have this.
Pulse and heart dysfunction
In some cases, the heart rate may not coincide with the heart rate. This condition is typical for people suffering from extrasystole or atrial fibrillation. This is one of the most common types of arrhythmias. Often, an increase in heart rate is triggered by the use of alcohol and a large amount of caffeine, as well as smoking. If a person at rest has an increase in heart rate, then this is one of the signs of the following diseases: heart failure, fever, anemia, and some others.
Day and night pulse
By the way, heart rate indicators differ day and night. What pulse should an adult have in a state of sleep? On average at night, this figure drops to 1.4 times. The lowest heart rate can be recorded at about 4 in the morning. This is due to the activity of the vagus nerve, which inhibits the work of the heart at night, and in the morning the pulse is underestimated (32 beats per minute or even lower). That is why the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications in the early morning (at 4-5 in the morning) usually increases.
It is very important to note that the normal heart rate of an adult recorded on both hands should be the same. Otherwise, a mismatch may indicate violations that impede the flow of blood into one of the limbs (arteritis, stenosis of the aortic mouth or peripheral arteries).
Changes in heart rate and their causes
By measuring the heart rate with different activities, you can see that it can vary significantly. What pulse should an adult have when playing sports? For each, this indicator is individual. In order to determine the pulse, the maximum allowable for you, subtract from 200 the number of years lived. For example, in a person aged 50 years, the pulse rate should be no more than 150 beats (in a state of physical activity).
Another important point. It will not be superfluous to know what pulse an adult should have when the temperature rises. If you are sick, then the pulse may respond to this increase, increasing on average by 8-10 beats per minute with a temperature increase of 1 degree. This is worth remembering and not panic. The increased heart rate is logical in other cases: immediately after eating, after drinking alcohol, when moving from a lying position to a sitting position, etc.
Pulse and Longevity
Thus, the pulse is able to tell us a lot and give a signal in case any violations have occurred. By the way, it is believed that low heart rate (within normal limits) is the key to a long life. This is facilitated by regular physical activity and proper nutrition.