Normal Heart Rate For Women By Age: Know Factors And Tips To Monitor
Health
Published on: 12-Apr-2024
10 min read
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Lalita Vishwakarma
Normal Heart Rate For Women By Age: Know Factors And Tips To Monitor
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Hello readers! The human heart is an amazing organ that tirelessly pumps blood throughout the body, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to every cell. One important indicator of heart health is the heart rate, which is the number of times the heart beats per minute (bpm).
While heart rate can vary based on factors such as fitness level, age, and overall health, understanding what constitutes a healthy heart rate for women is crucial for assessing cardiovascular well-being. Women usually have higher average heart rates than men due to factors like menstruation, pregnancy and menopause that can cause changes in heart function.
However, after menopause, both women and men tend to have similar overall heart health. Normal heart rate for women is often a topic of confusion, and many questions arise regarding it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about heart rate!
Table Of Contents
What Is The Normal Heart Rate For Women By Age?
What Is Good Resting Heart Rate By Age?
Why Does Heart Rate Vary Between Men And Women?
Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Tips For Monitoring Heart Rate
When To Seek Medical Attention?
Diet Plan For Healthy Heart For Women
Dietitian’s Recommendation
The Final Say
FAQs
References
What Is The Normal Heart Rate For Women By Age?
Heart rate is typically measured by counting the number of beats per minute, often by placing fingers on pulse points such as the wrist or neck or using specialised devices like heart rate monitors. The average heart rate for women at rest is between 78 and 82 beats per minute (bpm). However, this is a general guideline, and individual variations may occur based on age, fitness level, overall health, and hormonal fluctuations.
Some women, particularly athletes or individuals with excellent cardiovascular fitness, may have normal resting heart rates below 60 bpm due to their increased heart efficiency. Conversely, factors like stress, illness, or medication use can temporarily elevate heart rate above ordinary.
Women's target heart rates during exercise usually lie between 50% and 85% of their maximum heart rate. The formula 220 minus the individual's age can be used to approximate the maximal heart rate. The predicted maximum heart rate, for a woman in her 30s, would be 220 - 30 = 190 bpm. Her ideal heart rate, therefore, would be roughly 95 to 162 bpm (50% to 85% of 190 bpm) during moderate-intensity exercise.
Regular monitoring normal heart rate for women, along with attention to any unusual symptoms, can help women maintain optimal cardiovascular health. If there are concerns about heart rate or overall well-being, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and appropriate recommendations.
Also Read: How To Check Heart Health At Home?
What Is Good Resting Heart Rate By Age?
Note the women’s resting heart rate chart outlining the average resting heart rate for women based on age:
Age Group of women (years) | Resting Heart Rate Range (bpm) |
Newborn (0-1 month) | 100-150 |
Infants (1-11 months) | 90-160 |
Toddlers (1-2 years) | 80-130 |
Pre-schoolers (3-5 years) | 70-120 |
Children (6-12 years) | 60-110 |
Adolescents (13-18 years) | 55-105 |
Adults (19-40 years) | 60-100 |
Adults (41-60 years) | 60-100 |
Older Adults (61+ years) | 60-100 |
Please note that these ranges are general guidelines for normal heart rate for women and may cause individual variations.
Why Does Heart Rate Vary Between Men And Women?
During puberty, men's hearts grow approximately 15% to 30% larger than women's hearts. This increase in heart size is generally proportionate to the increase in body size. With every heartbeat, contractions help to pump blood throughout the heart and the body. Women's hearts are usually slightly smaller than men's, so they require faster heartbeats to pump the same amount of blood.
Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Several factors can influence normal heart rate for women, including:
Age: Heart rate tends to decrease with age, with infants having the highest heart rates, followed by children and adults.
Fitness Level: Regular exercise and physical activity can lower resting heart rate by activating the heart's functioning, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently.
Stress and Emotions: Emotional stress, anxiety, and excitement can temporarily elevate the heart rate.
Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers or stimulants, can affect heart rate.
Body Size and Composition: Larger individuals may have lower resting heart rates, while smaller individuals may have higher rates.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can influence women's heart rate.
Tips For Monitoring Heart Rate
Monitoring heart rate can provide valuable insights into cardiovascular health and fitness levels. Several methods can be used to do this, including.
Pulse Checks: Regular pulse checks at rest and during exercise can provide a simple way to monitor heart rate.
Wearable Devices: You can also use wearable gadgets or fitness trackers. These are equipped with heart rate sensors and convenient ways to track heart rate throughout the day.
Exercise Stress Tests: These tests, conducted under the supervision of healthcare professionals, involve monitoring heart rate during controlled exercise to assess cardiovascular function.
When To Seek Medical Attention?
While fluctuations in heart rate are normal, specific symptoms beyond normal heart rate for women warrant medical attention, including:
Persistent Tachycardia and consistently elevated resting heart rate above 100 bpm.
Bradycardia: Resting heart rate below 60 bpm, particularly if accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath.
Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, especially if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms.
Chest Pain or Discomfort: Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort, which may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.
Diet Plan For Healthy Heart For Women
Good and nutritious food plays a magnificent role in managing your bodily functions. To keep your heart rate at its best, you should opt for heart-healthy food choices. Here is the sample diet plan created by registered dietitians that you can follow to boost your heart health:
1. Healthy Heart Diet (Sample 1)
Early morning | 1 glass of warm jeera water |
Breakfast | 1 plate Salad (fruits, sprouts, leafy greens and veggies, coconut water) with 1 cup of tea |
Mid snack | 1 big glass of buttermilk |
Lunch | 1 cup brown rice soya chunks pulao with grated carrot and beetroot raita |
Afternoon | 1 glass of green tea |
Evening Snack | 1 cup Makhana |
Dinner | 2 millet rotis with 1 bowl of dal with methi and 1 cup of tomato raita |
2. Healthy Heart Diet (Sample 2)
Early morning | 1 glass of warm lemon water |
Breakfast | 4 oats appam with chutney and 1 glass skimmed milk |
Mid snack | 5 almonds |
Lunch | Bhindi masala sabji 1 cup with whole wheat ragi roti 2 and 1 big bowl of green salad |
Afternoon | 1 cup green tea |
Evening Snack | 1 fruit (watermelon 200gm) |
Dinner | 1 bowl curd and oats with curry leaves, mustard seeds and red dry chilli tempering (30gm roasted oats and 150gm curd, salt) |
Dietitian’s Recommendation
As a dietitian, I advise women to maintain a healthy heart rate and stay hydrated, do regular physical activity, and managing stress are vital. To maintain cardiovascular health, promote a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Aim for a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) for optimal heart health by following the above lifestyle modifications in your routine. Limiting the intake of processed foods and excessive sugar and avoiding smoking are also crucial.
Dt. Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
While the normal heart rate for women typically falls between 78 and 82 bpm, individual variations exist based on age, fitness level, and hormonal fluctuations. It's always a good idea to keep track of your heart rate and look out for any symptoms that might indicate potential issues. You can live a healthy and vibrant life by taking care of your heart health and seeking consultation from a healthcare professional. Remember, it's never too early or too late to start taking proactive steps towards a healthier heart!
FAQs
1. How can I measure my heart rate physically at home?
You can check your heart rate by putting your thumb on your left wrist, trying to concentrate on breathing, and then looking at the watch for a minute while counting the beats.
2. Does heart rate reduce with age?
Yes, age is a major factor that affects your heart rate. It works inversely, as your heart rate lowers as you age.
3. How do perimenopause and menopause affect heart rate in women?
Menopause indicates the end of periods in a woman. It comes with hormonal changes that can cause the heart rate to increase.
4. How does your period affect your heart rate?
Your heart rate increases slightly during ovulation and the week after that and decreases slightly during your period and the week after that. This is because your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle.
5. How does pregnancy affect heart rate?
During pregnancy, the average heart rate increases to around 90 beats per minute as the heart pumps more blood to the uterus. Additionally, the heart rate increases more than usual during exercise.
6. What does low heart rate in women indicate?
It can be a sign of bradycardia in which the heartbeat lowers to less than 60 beats per minute.
7. How often should the heart rate be checked?
Heart rate should be checked before and after a workout so any unusual symptoms can be traced.
8. What is the normal heart rate for women age 40?
The normal heart rate for women aged 40 is 60-100 beats per minute.
9. What is the normal heart rate for elderly women?
The normal rate for elderly women ranges between 60-100 beats per minute.
10. Is a 120-pulse rate normal for a woman?
No, it's not; women's heart rates typically range from 60 to 100 beats per minute. If someone is experiencing a 120 pulse, it is a matter of danger. To prevent any side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
11. What is a good heart rate for a woman?
Women usually have a healthy resting heart rate in the range of 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM). However, what is deemed typical can vary depending on factors including age, level of exercise, and general health.
References
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