Your resting heart rate is a simple, useful health signal. For most adults it sits between 60 and 100 beats per minute, though fit people can be lower. Here is what is normal and when a fast or slow pulse matters.
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Newborns | 100–160 bpm |
| Children (1–10 yr) | 70–120 bpm |
| Over 10 yr & adults | 60–100 bpm |
| Well-trained athletes | 40–60 bpm (can be normal) |
For most adults, 60–100 beats per minute at rest is normal, and fitter people are often at the lower end. Consistently very high or very low rates are worth checking.
A brief rise with exercise, stress or fever is normal. A persistently fast resting pulse, or one with dizziness or chest pain, should be reviewed by a doctor.
In fit people a low rate is often healthy. But a slow pulse with fainting, tiredness or breathlessness can need medical assessment.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.