What is the normal heart rate? Heartbeat

With the development of technology and the rise in the average standard of living in the world, many people have begun to pay more attention to their health. Many gadgets from various manufacturers today are equipped with heart rate monitors that allow you to monitor the work of the heart, but the rare owner of a smart watch or fitness tracker knows the normal heart rate in certain conditions.

Normal pulse

It is well known that in the absence of problems with the cardiovascular system, the “motor” of an adult decreases approximately 60-80 times per minute. In this case, the heart rate first decreases and then increases throughout life. Thus, a newborn’s pulse is around 140 beats per minute, by the age of three it drops to 90, and in adolescence it settles at 60-70 beats per minute. After 30 years, the heart rate begins to increase again by 5-10 beats/min every 5-10 years, depending on the characteristics of the body and lifestyle.

The normal pulse also differs somewhat by gender - a woman's heart is on average smaller than a man's and it requires more contractions to ensure sufficient blood circulation in the vessels.

Physical activity and sports

During active sports, the pulse of a healthy person can increase to 150 beats/min or higher, but if the contraction frequency reaches 200 beats/min, you should pause and reduce the load in the future. At the same time, the trained heart of an athlete or a person leading an active lifestyle works slower than that of a sedentary office worker.

How to measure your pulse

As mentioned above, many modern devices (, Samsung, etc.) can perform this function. In addition, there are applications for measuring heart rate using the camera and flash of a regular smartphone, the best of these programs is.

Of course, there are special devices, but the simplest and most effective method for determining heart rate remains palpation (measurement by touch), which allows you to accurately count the number of beats and determine arrhythmic deviations.

It should be borne in mind that the pulse in the lying, sitting and standing positions of the body may differ; there is a slight difference even between the wrists of the left and right hands.

To determine the performance of the heart, pulse indicators are first examined. This simple manipulation will tell you about the level of physical development of a person and the tolerance (resistance) of the heart muscle to stress. A systematic deviation of the pulse from the norm indicates the presence of serious diseases both in the heart and beyond. Although an abnormal heart rate is only a symptom, medications that stabilize the pulse or surgical treatment are prescribed according to indications.

What is pulse, how and why to measure its frequency

Pulse (heart rate, heart rate, heart rate) is an important criterion for the functioning of the cardiovascular system, which characterizes the contractility of the myocardium (heart muscle tissue) and the reaction of the artery walls to the blood passing through them.

The mechanism of pulse formation is as follows:

1. During systole (contraction) of the left ventricle, blood enters the aorta and then spreads throughout the arterial bed throughout the body.
2. At the moment of ejection, the pressure on the artery walls increases due to a sharp increase in the volume of circulating blood, which “beats” against the inner walls of the arteries. Vascular resistance increases. It is at this moment that a pulse fluctuation occurs, which is noticeable when palpated (pulse beat).
3. During general diastole (relaxation) of the heart, blood pressure on the arteries weakens. This is a period of preparation for a new pulse fluctuation.

Depending on the arteries on which the heart rate is measured, the pulse is divided into central and peripheral. The first is determined on the subclavian and carotid arteries, the second - on the arteries of the limbs and face.

The arteries where the pulse can be determined are located at different distances from the heart

Most often, pulse examination is performed on the radial artery. To do this, the hand of the subject is clasped in the area of ​​the wrist joint so that the thumb is on the back of the forearm, and the remaining fingers are on the front surface of the radius.

To feel a person's pulse clearly, you need to press the radial artery to the anterior surface of the radius with all fingers except the thumb.

Sometimes the usual examination of the pulse on the wrists is not enough. It may not be palpable if the blood supply to the vessels is weak, especially during fainting states, as well as with obliterating atherosclerosis of the extremities (damage to the arteries of the extremities, leading to circulatory failure). In such conditions, it is not advisable to examine the peripheral pulse. The heart rate is assessed in the central arteries.

The pulse rate should be studied on two arteries of the same name at once. If the vibrations are symmetrical, you can continue counting on one side. If not, the pulse is counted on each side in turn, which allows you to objectively judge the heart rate.

If your heart rate is rhythmic, you can count the beats for 30 seconds and then multiply the result by two. If you have an arrhythmia, you need to count the beats within a minute.

You need to measure your heart rate:

• to establish whether the heart rate corresponds to biological age;
• to determine the body’s tolerance (resistance) to physical and stress loads;
• for the purpose of timely detection of heart and vascular diseases;
• in the context of examination for various diseases and pathological conditions.

Heart rate is effectively studied using electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (EchoCG).

An ECG allows you to evaluate not only the number of heart contractions per unit of time, but also their regularity and usefulness. During the procedure, a characteristic curve appears on the cardiographic tape. One ventricular contraction is reflected on it in the form of a specific wave (QRS complex). The cells reflect time intervals, the value of which depends on the speed of the tape (indicated on the result). Consequently, it is possible to count the number of QRS complexes per minute, and also to judge the rhythm of the heart by the shape of the resulting curve.

The QRS wave reflects one ventricular contraction - one pulse oscillation. A normal rhythm on an ECG tape is characterized by teeth of equal height evenly spaced from each other, the number of which coincides with the frequency of pulse impulses palpated (felt) on the arteries of the body

Daily ECG monitoring (Holter monitoring) is used to determine when and under the influence of what factors a disturbance in the heart’s activity occurs.

Using echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), the heart rate per unit time is also recorded. Unlike an ECG, this study makes it possible to evaluate the functioning of the heart chambers, as well as the process of blood ejection from the left ventricle into the aorta. An ultrasound examination visualizes the cause of heart rhythm disturbances associated with structural changes in the heart (valve defects, changes in the myocardial walls, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, fat embolism, etc.).

EchoCG visualizes the structure and tissues of the heart, the dynamics of its work, and also allows you to determine the rhythm and heart rate (heart rate)

In order to determine blood flow turbulence (blood movement with characteristic turbulence in places of branching and narrowing of blood vessels, in areas of their bends) in case of pulse disturbances, echocardiography with Doppler sonography of the heart and central arteries is recommended. The signals sent by the sensor react to blood cells by being reflected from them. A dynamic color image is displayed on the monitor, allowing you to evaluate the heart and blood vessels from the perspective of blood circulation in them. Consequently, the moment the blood hits the artery walls is visualized. This is an important diagnostic criterion in case of discrepancy between heart rate and peripheral pulse.

During a Doppler study, the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta is visualized on the screen.

Heart rate norms for an adult at rest and during physical activity

The generally accepted normal heart rate for a person over 20 years of age is considered to be between 60 and 80 beats per minute (bpm). The acceptable minimum value is 50 beats/min, and the maximum is 90 beats/min at rest.

During exercise, the number of heart contractions increases. Therefore, during physical activity, heart rate indicators differ from those at rest.

Table: normal heart rate for women and men at rest, as well as for untrained people during physical activity (bpm)

The table shows that the maximum heart rate in women and men is observed at 50–59 years of age. This age period for most people coincides with the height of hormonal changes (menopause, decline of reproductive function). Subsequently, the heart rate becomes slower as myocardial contractility decreases. The muscle tissue of the artery walls loses its elasticity. In men after 60 years of age, the changes are more pronounced than in women, so their indicators are closer to pathological bradycardia (slow rhythm).

During exercise, optimal and maximum heart rates are directly dependent on age. The older a person is, the lower the safe heart rate per minute during physical activity.

There are many formulas for calculating maximum heart rate during exercise. The simplest of them is the Karvonen formula:

Heart ratemax = 220 - human age.

A pulse exceeding the result indicates excessive physical activity.

During pregnancy, a woman's normal heart rate changes:

• in the first trimester, the pulse often rises to 90 beats/min under the influence of hormonal changes in the body;
• in the second trimester, a pregnant woman’s heart rate of up to 100 beats/min is considered normal due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood;
• starting from the seventh month, a pulse of 100–120 beats/min is relatively safe, but requires medical supervision;
• 30–45 days after birth, the heart rate returns to the normal range for a woman’s age.

During pregnancy, along with measuring blood pressure, the pulse must be calculated for timely diagnosis of tachycardia (accelerated rhythm) in pregnant women.

Deviation of heart rate indicators from the norm

If the number of heartbeats does not fit within the normal range, this indicates that the person has certain diseases.

A slow, accelerated or arrhythmic pulse is considered pathological. Rhythm disturbances are clearly visualized on the ECG.

ECG with bradycardia, arrhythmia, tachycardia differs from the norm in the frequency of QRS waves

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

You can talk about a slow heartbeat when the heart rate is below 50 beats/min. Bradycardia can be physiological or pathological.

Table: causes, symptoms, consequences and EchoCG indicators for bradycardia

With pathological bradycardia, the risk of complications increases over the years in both men and women.

Bradycardia is considered true when the number of heart contractions coincides with the number of pulse oscillations in the peripheral arteries. If, according to the results of ECG and EchoCG, the pulse beats are less than the number of contractions of the left ventricle of the heart, the reason for the rare or irregular pulse is vascular pathology (atherosclerosis, insufficient volume of circulating blood, thrombosis).

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

A pulse is considered rapid when the heart rate exceeds 90 beats/min. Women are more predisposed to this pathology, especially with age. Tachycardia can be physiological or pathological.

Table: causes, symptoms, consequences and EchoCG indicators for tachycardia

To understand how dangerous tachycardia is, you need to establish the frequency of its attacks. It is advisable to use daily Holter monitoring, which takes cardiographic indicators of heart activity from the patient throughout the day. In this case, it is advisable that the patient write down what he is doing and at what time. This will help determine the cause of the accelerated heart rate.

Holter monitoring is carried out using a portable device, which is attached to the body and remains on the patient throughout the day, practically without interfering with his life activities.

Irregular pulse (arrhythmia)

If the pulse beats are irregular, this indicates the presence of an arrhythmia. The number of heart beats per minute is not critical for the initial detection of pathology, especially if it is within the normal range. It is important to directly assess the rhythm and ratio of pulse impulses.

For diagnostic purposes, echocardiography is used, showing structural disorders of the myocardium, irregular contractions of the ventricles and atria. Carrying out a standard ECG for irregular arrhythmia is less informative than daily Holter monitoring.

The causes of arrhythmia lie in the disruption of the functioning of the cardiac conduction system, which sends impulses to its structures, controlling the contraction and relaxation of the myocardium.

Symptoms vary. The nature of their manifestation depends on the presence of an accelerated or slowed heartbeat (symptoms of bradycardia and tachycardia are indicated above in the tables). Subjective sensations are often absent or so minimal that a person does not pay attention to them, especially at a young age.

Violation of the heart rate leads to the following complications: stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and blood clots.

The most dangerous complication of arrhythmia is sudden cardiac arrest as a result of ventricular fibrillation (uncoordinated, asynchronous contraction of individual groups of muscle fibers of the ventricles of the heart at a high frequency - up to 300 per minute or more) followed by clinical death. 1–2 minutes after the onset of fibrillation, the pulse in the arteries is not detected. If you do not force the heart to work within 5-15 minutes, irreversible changes in the brain occur, leading to biological death.

During ventricular fibrillation, the ECG image is a chaotic curve without characteristic PQRST complexes

How to normalize the condition

To normalize the contractile function of the heart, it is necessary to cure the disease that causes the pathological pulse. If it is impossible to completely and quickly eliminate the cause, the cardiologist prescribes symptomatic treatment.

Treatment for slow heart rate

Treatment of bradycardia caused by disruption of the conduction system of the heart involves installing a pacemaker.

The pacemaker is fixed under the skin on the chest, and the electrodes are installed directly in the heart and deliver electrical impulses to the myocardium

If a slow heart rate is associated with beta-blockers or peripheral vasodilators, the cardiologist will reconsider treatment with these drugs.

For moderate bradycardia, conservative treatment with the following pharmaceuticals is possible:

• Izadrin (Euspiran, Novodrin, Isoprenaline), Orciprenaline sulfate from the group of synthetic catecholamines that stimulate β-receptors. These drugs increase the excitability and contractility of the myocardium. Does not affect blood pressure levels. The risk of atrioventricular block (impaired conduction of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles) or fibrillation is minimal. Prescribed both by injection and orally according to an individually selected regimen;
• Ipratropium. Used for sinus bradycardia (reduced heart rate with normal rhythm). Causes a prolonged increase in heart rate. Does not affect the nervous system. Prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day;
• Ephedrine. Causes vasoconstriction, increases blood pressure, causing the heart to beat faster. Prescribed by injection and orally. The duration of the course of treatment is no more than a month with a gradual reduction in dosage.

The listed drugs have side effects, so they are used as prescribed by a doctor.

When a bradycardial attack occurs, the pulse drops to 35 beats/min or lower. The patient experiences severe dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and other symptoms. This indicates the development of heart failure, leading to loss of consciousness and even death.

To provide first aid, you need to perform the following manipulations:

1. Lay the patient on a hard surface, place bolsters under the head and legs so that the lower limbs are higher than the level of the head.
2. Unfasten the buttons on your clothes, loosen your tie, belt, and provide access to fresh air.
3. Brew strong hot tea, you can add 15-20 drops of belladonna or ginseng tincture.
4. For severe chest pain, place one Nitroglycerin or Isadrinum tablet under the patient’s tongue.
5. If after 5–15 minutes there is no improvement, call an ambulance.

If, as a result of an attack of bradycardia, fainting occurs and the patient does not come to his senses, you need to call an emergency medical team as quickly as possible

Treatment for rapid heart rate

With frequent attacks of tachycardia, you need to adjust your diet - give up coffee, strong tea, energy drinks and alcohol. It is advisable to reduce your intake of sugar and salt, since foods high in them thicken the blood. As a result, the heart is forced to pump faster to pump blood.

Treatment of physiological tachycardia is carried out with the help of sedatives of natural origin (Persena, tincture of valerian, motherwort, peony, hawthorn, etc.).

Sedatives of natural origin are sold without a prescription because they have virtually no contraindications

If you don’t have medications on hand, you can lower your heart rate using the following manipulations:

• close your eyes and press your fingers on your eyeballs for 20–30 seconds (Aschner test);
• take a deep breath and then try to exhale with your mouth and nose closed (Valsalva maneuver);
• wash your face with cold water, and then do a unilateral neck massage in the area of ​​the carotid artery (you cannot do both sides at the same time!);
• provoke a cough or gag reflex.

Self-massage of the neck with tachycardia should be performed with moderate pressing movements in the direction from top to bottom

For pathological tachycardia, the doctor prescribes the following medications:

• β-blockers (Egilok, Atenolol, Concor);
• sodium channel blockers (Allapinin, Ritmonorm);
• potassium channel blockers (Cordarone);
• combined sedatives (Corvalol, Barboval, Valocordin), which include phenobarbital. This substance has a depressant effect on the nervous system, causing sedative and hypnotic effects. Under its influence, the smooth muscles of the heart and blood vessels relax, due to which the number of heart contractions decreases;
• peripheral vasodilators (Captopril, Enalapril). They dilate small vessels, evenly distributing the volume of circulating blood throughout the body. Due to this, blood pressure on the walls of the arteries and the load on the heart are reduced.

Photo gallery: drugs for the treatment of tachycardia

Combined sedatives in the form of drops quickly affect the heart rate because they begin to be absorbed in the oral cavity
Peripheral vasodilators reduce pulse indirectly, since they act not on the heart, but on the blood vessels
Potassium channel blocker Cordarone is used for paroxysmal tachycardia, ventricular and atrial fibrillation
Nebilet and other β-blockers are used for both moderate and severe tachycardia
Allapinin is used for supraventricular tachycardia, some types of arrhythmia, has a moderate sedative effect, slightly dilating the coronary vessels of the heart

Correction of irregular heart rate

Arrhythmias of any kind indicate serious abnormalities in the functioning of the heart. For conservative treatment, the following drugs are prescribed:

• sodium channel blockers - affect the functionality of the myocardium, stabilizing the membranes of its cells (cardiomyocytes). The intensity of the blocking action is determined by the pulse rate. The higher it is, the stronger the drug will be required;
• β-blockers - reduce myocardial excitability, coordinate its innervation (communication with the central nervous system using nerves). Prevent acute coronary insufficiency and relapses of tachyarrhythmia (rhythm disturbances combined with rapid heartbeat);
• Potassium channel blockers - used when there is a high risk of ventricular fibrillation. Slow down excessively intense electrical processes in heart cells;
• Calcium channel blockers - prevent excessive accumulation of calcium ions in cardiomyocytes. They are used when there is a threat of developing partial or complete atrioventricular block (impaired conduction of electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles).

Antiarrhythmic drugs of four main classes act both on the electrical activity of the heart and on the work of peripheral arteries

Arrhythmia of any kind requires a particularly careful approach to its treatment. Under no circumstances should you try to select medications for yourself. In case of severe rhythm disturbances, the patient should be treated and observed by a specialist - an arrhythmologist.

Drug therapy for arrhythmia is most often prescribed against the background of a normal or high pulse rate. In the presence of bradyarrhythmia, when the pulse is irregular and low at the same time, surgical treatment is preferable.

If it is not possible to normalize the patient’s condition with the help of medications, an operation aimed at radical or partial elimination of the cause is recommended. Applicable:

• classic method of surgical correction - during open surgery, pathological areas of the cardiac conduction system are cut or removed;
• minimally invasive catheter method - the pathological focus is destroyed partially or completely by exposure to radio frequency, ultrasound or laser waves transmitted by a sensor inserted into the heart through the femoral artery;
• installation of a pacemaker (a device that sets the heart the correct rhythm) or a cardioverter-defibrillator (a device that controls the electrical rhythm of the heart).

The pacemaker sets the heart the correct rhythm. It can affect one, two or three chambers of the heart. The cardioverter-defibrillator differs in its operating principle. In the event of a total failure of the heart rhythm, the device generates a powerful electrical impulse, sending it to the myocardium. This effect is similar to that of a defibrillator used for emergency resuscitation by medical professionals. Therefore, installation of a cardioverter pacemaker is indicated for patients with life-threatening rhythm disturbances (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, sudden cardiac arrest). Similar to a pacemaker, the device is implanted under the chest muscle and its electrodes are inserted into the heart.

Installation of a pacemaker allows the patient to completely get rid of arrhythmia

If an open operation involves the removal of several parts of the conduction system of the heart, full functioning of the myocardium after such an intervention is impossible. One of the cardiac stimulation devices is immediately installed.

Video: heart rhythm disturbances - causes, symptoms, treatment

A person’s pulse is determined during a medical examination for any disease, since heart rate seems to be an important diagnostic criterion. It is not difficult to feel and count the pulse in the arteries of the body yourself, but making sure that it coincides with the heart rhythm is only possible with the help of instrumental examination methods (ECG, EchoCG). The heart rate in adults is not a constant value. Despite the generally accepted norm (60–80 beats/min), it varies depending on the age, gender and physiological characteristics of a person, indicating physical endurance and health. It is possible to normalize the pulse with the help of symptomatic therapy selected by a doctor, but it is advisable to do this in the context of treating a disease that provokes an abnormal pulse rate. If the pulse rhythm failure is due to intracardiac problems, not only conservative but also surgical treatment is used.

One of the important indicators of the body’s condition is heart rate. In order not to miss pathological changes in the functioning of the myocardium in adults and children, it is necessary to know the normal heart rate.

Physiological changes in the number of contractions of the organ responsible for blood circulation are called heart rate. The myocardial pulsation frequency indicator is widely used by medical specialists and athletic trainers to determine abnormalities in the functioning of the vascular system and the body as a whole.

Heart rate is the contractile movements of the heart muscle per unit of time, which is a natural indicator of processes occurring in the body. In contrast to the frequency of myocardial contractions, the pulse is a jerky rhythmic oscillation of the walls of blood vessels that conduct blood from the heart to all parts of the body.

When does heart rate change?

Heart rate (the norm in adults differs from that in children) can change throughout the day. During sleep, a person’s physiological rhythm of the myocardium decreases, and vice versa - during working hours, cardiac activity accelerates. Natural changes in the function of the heart muscle include:

Acceleration:

• increased nervous tension in the body;
• muscle fatigue;
• painful condition accompanied by fever and chills;
• hyperthermia;
• being at a high level from the surface of the earth;
• period of gestation;
• drinking caffeine-containing liquids and drinks.

Slowdown:

• increased content of water molecules in the air;
• trained heart muscle;
• physiological state of rest and rest;
• the use of medicinal substances that cause a decrease in emotional stress.

But you should know that changes in the number of compressions of the hollow organ responsible for blood circulation can be provoked by painful conditions in the body.

Accelerated heartbeat:

• pathological changes in the integrity of nerve structures;
• increased production of thyroid-stimulating hormones by the thyroid gland;
• decreased number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells;
• damage to the blood vessels of the heart and valve apparatus;
• changes in the functioning of the respiratory system;
• inflammation of the muscle layer of the myocardium;

Slow rhythm:

• structural damage to the sinoatrial node;
• an overabundance of medications used for heart rate disorders;
• intoxication of the body;
• defects of the stomach cavity;
• damage to the external and internal parts of the skull;
• acute cerebrovascular accident;
• neoplasms in the brain;
• insufficient production of thyroid-stimulating hormones by the thyroid gland.

Normal heart rate

According to scientific research, the average heart rate for a healthy adult is approximately 60-90 beats/min. This indicator is average, since many people without pathologies in the body live with a heart rate of less than 50 beats and more than 90, which is a feature of the body. Heart rate indicator:

Men

In the stronger half, the number of heart beats is approximately 10 units lower than in women. When measuring a myocardial rhythm parameter, every factor that can provoke an increase or decrease in the rate of contractions of a hollow organ should be taken into account.

For an absolutely healthy man, heart rate should correspond to:

• norm – 70-74 beats/min;
• minimum – 66-69 beats/min;
• maximum – 75-82 beats/min.

Women

The body of the fair half has a number of physiological characteristics.

Women are characterized by a higher heart rate, which differs from the male myocardial rhythm by 10-15 beats/min. and corresponds to:

• average: 80-84 units;
• minimum: 76-79 units;
• maximum: 85-93 units.

Pregnancy

During the period of an “interesting” situation, women experience hormonal changes, which entails an increase in the pulsation of the hollow organ pumping liquid connective tissue through the vessels. This state of the circulatory system is a physiological norm.

Main indicators of heart rate during pregnancy:

• norm – 90-94 beats/min;
• minimum – 86-89 beats/min;
• maximum – 95-103 beats/min.

Childhood

It is common for a child's body to undergo constant and intense changes due to rapid growth, which greatly affects the heart rhythm. Children are also characterized by changes in myocardial compression with an increase in physiological parameters.

The normal indicators of cardiac muscle function in a young body include the following values:

• average: 95-100 units;
• minimum: 60-70 units;
• maximum: 130-150 units.

Hypobiosis

The state of reduced functional activity of the human body is the most optimal for determining the proper functioning of the myocardium.

The typical heart rate for hypobiosis is:

• norm – 65-70 beats/min;
• minimum – 55-60 beats/min;
• maximum – 75-80 beats/min.

Muscle work

In order to find out the heart rate during physical activity, you must first measure myocardial contractions at rest, and then calculate the correct number of compressions of the hollow organ.

As a rule, heart rate during muscle work should be calculated based on the characteristics of the individual’s body, but To determine the pulse more quickly, there are standards:

• average: 170-175 units;
• minimum: 155-160 units;
• maximum: 176-186 units.

Accelerated mode of transportation

Running is the biggest load for myocardial function. To calculate normal heart rate values, you need to subtract age from 200.

But there is an average indicator of heart function:

• norm – 142-147 beats/min;
• minimum – 132-140 beats/min;
• maximum – 148-151 beats/min.

Burning calories

Weight change is directly related to calories. The more contractions the heart muscle makes, the stronger the vascular system works, delivering the necessary substances to all systems and organs. This process is associated with the loss of calories and the burning of subcutaneous fat.

The optimal myocardial pulsation numbers are:

• average quantity: 123-129 units;
• minimum: 113-122 units;
• maximum: 123-134 units.

After meals

While eating, the cardiovascular system begins to work hard, increasing the flow of liquid connective tissue to the stomach cavity, which accelerates the heart rate.

Natural heart rate numbers for this condition are:

• norm – 70-75 beats/min;
• minimum – 60-65 beats/min;
• maximum – 80-85 beats/min.

Heart rate norm by age

Heart rate (the norm differs in adults at different periods of life) is a variable value due to physiological changes inherent in the human body.

How to measure heart rate?

Heart rate in adults and children can be measured by a medical specialist during a face-to-face appointment.

To independently determine the number of myocardial impulses, you should know the norms of heart contraction and the features of the procedure:

• in a state of complete rest;
• after eating a few hours;
• there must be a satisfactory state of health;
• at normal temperature conditions;
• in a sober state;
• the person needs to be in a sitting or lying position.

To measure the number of myocardial compressions yourself or with the help of an assistant, you must use the following technique:

• place your palm on the part of the body limited by the ribs just below the armpit;
• take a device capable of measuring time intervals with an accuracy of fractions of a second;
• count the beats in 60 seconds;
• in case of rhythm disturbances, the procedure should be performed for 3 minutes and the resulting value divided by 3.

Additional methods for determining the frequency of myocardial contractions include:

• counting the heart rate on the part of the leg from the pelvis to the knee bend, the cervical artery, the place of the skull from the ear to the forehead;
• use of modern watches with a heart rate monitor, mobile phone.

Causes of rapid heartbeat

Rapid heart beats are called tachycardia. Such changes in the functioning of the myocardium can have a functional and organic nature of disorders in the body.

You should pay attention to the main reasons that cause an increased level of heart rate:

• sudden feeling of fear;
• an inexplicable, painful attack of anxiety for the patient;
• severe muscle tension;
• sudden changes in blood pressure numbers;
• release of blood beyond the vascular bed;
• inflammatory process of various localization and nature, provoked by pyogenic microbial flora;
• accumulation of excess heat in the body with an increase in temperature;
• dysfunction caused by the entry of toxins into the body that provoked a painful condition;
• disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine gland, which produces iodine-containing hormones and participates in metabolic processes;
• discomfort and pain behind the sternum due to circulatory failure of the heart muscle;
• changes in myocardial structures that disrupt the movement of liquid connective tissue inside a hollow organ or through the circulatory system;
• mental anxiety;
• anemia;
• accumulation of fat in the body, leading to excess body weight;
• consumption of drinks containing wine alcohol;
• suppression of ovulation, based on the use of synthetic analogues of female sex hormones;
• excessive enthusiasm for biologically active additives and their compositions;
• pathological change in the totality of processes of water and electrolytes entering the body;
• use of drugs to combat excess weight.

Causes of low heart rate

The heart rate (the norm is different for adult men and women) may be reduced.

The main causes of bradycardia are:

• pathological changes in the heart muscle, which is responsible for pumping blood, characterized by the growth of connective scar tissue;
• prolonged exposure to the cold;
• increased pressure in the ventricles of the brain;
• malignant neoplasms;
• bleeding inside the skull;
• damage to the body's autonomic system;
• use of drugs that block beta-adrenergic receptors;
• improper use of drugs for the treatment of heart rhythm disorders;
• slowdown of metabolic processes due to insufficient production of thyroxine;
• inflammatory pathologies of the brain;
• poisoning by chemical compounds;
• prolonged lack of supply of substances necessary to maintain homeostasis;
• penetration of pathogenic microbes and prions into the body;
• hypotension;
• pathological changes in the ninth pair of cranial nerves;
• insufficient supply of oxygenated liquid connective tissue to the cells of the body;
• inflammatory liver disease.

How to normalize indicators

Heart rate (the norm in adults directly depends on the degree of fitness of the body) is a sequential process, the disruption of which affects the condition of the entire organism. Changes in cardiac contractions require correction; for this you need to know certain methods, procedures, and sometimes drugs that help with this pathological condition.

Any disturbances in myocardial contractions require examination by a medical specialist who can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment. The following will help increase your heart rate:

Pharmacological drugs:

• Anticholinergic drugs are substances that block the organic compound responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses: Atropine-Darnitsa; Besalol; Sanapuz.
• Drugs that are competitive blockers of receptors for the neurotransmitter imidazolyl-ethylamine, which disrupts heart rhythm: Pipolfen; Lvovdialik-Promethazine; Kalmaben.
• Antiparkinsonian drugs that increase the level of the hormone dopamine, which improves motor activity: Akineton; Parkopan; Tryphen.
• Medicines from a group of nitrogen-containing organic compounds of natural origin that have a stimulating effect on the main part of the nervous system: Peion; Theotard; Unicontin.
• Drugs that ensure the transmission of impulses in adrenergic synapses act on the peripheral nervous system: Adrenor; Dobutel; Epinen.

Methods:

• The use of physical influence for therapeutic purposes: Charcot shower; rubbing the body; hydrotherapy method, which consists of using a warm freshwater bath with the addition of mustard powder.
• Physical training: swimming; walks in the open air; jogging; cycling trips.
• Food: spicy food; dark chocolate; caffeinated drinks.
• Traditional methods: inhalation of vapors with the addition of Chinese lemongrass essential oil; tea with added ginseng; decoction of chopped herbs; hot drink with heduosmon added; using a mixture of lemon peel, chopped nuts and bee thick sweet substance; tinctures from the fruits of forest bushes.

Procedures:

• Using a mustard patch on the chest area on the right;
• wet bandages with essential oils on the back of the head;
• active stimulation of the soft edge of the auricle.

Medicines that can help lower your heart rate include:

• Beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitors that slow the heart rate: Bicard; Biprolol; Azoprol.
• Drugs that prevent thrombosis: Curantil; Avix; Diloxol.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors that normalize heart rate by lowering blood pressure: Invornil; Renitek; Ednit.
• Derivatives of barbituric acid that have a depressant effect on the central nervous system: Velecard-Health; Corvalcaps; Menovalen.
• Psychotropic drugs that eliminate various excitations that provoke increased myocardial activity: Alprazolam; Zolomax; Neurol.
• A heterogeneous group of drugs that block calcium channels that affect heart rhythm: Veratard; Tarka; Lekoptin.
• Drugs that increase the duration of the action potential have an antiarrhythmic effect on the myocardium: Amidaron; Aritmil; Myorhythmil.

Methods:

• at high heart rates, vomiting should be induced;
• take a deep breath and exhale sharply;
• rub the inner corner of the eyeballs with your fingertips;
• massage the neck in the area of ​​rhythmic pulsation of the large carotid arterial vessel;
• sit down several times;
• when taking a deep breath, close the nasal openings and lower your face into a container with cool liquid;
• sit on the toilet and sulk.

Foods needed to lower heart rate:

• green tea with added milk;
• boiled potatoes in skins;
• curdled milk;
• soft-boiled chicken eggs;
• asparagus cabbage;
• beet juice;
• sesame oil

Traditional methods:

• eat 1 tsp. a sweet, viscous product produced by bees;
• use an infusion of cat grass;
• Before meals, drink lemon balm decoction half an hour before meals.

Procedures:

• meditation;
• acupuncture;
• light massage of the collar area without effort.

The heart rate in adults changes over the course of life, which may indicate normal age-related changes in the body or a pathological process in the body. It should be remembered that this condition cannot be ignored.

Interesting videos about heart rate and ways to normalize it

Heart rate by age:

How to reduce high heart rate:

Pulse is the vibration of arterial vessels that is associated with the work of the heart. But doctors consider the pulse more broadly: all changes in the vessels of the cardiac system that are associated with it. Each characteristic of the pulse indicates a norm or deviation in the state of activity of the heart muscles.

Main characteristics of pulse

Heart vibrations have six main indicators that can be used to diagnose the functioning of the heart muscles. The pulse and its characteristics are the rhythm and frequency of the beats, the force of the beats and tension, as well as the shape of the vibrations. The level of blood pressure is also characterized by the properties of the pulse. Based on the fluctuations in heartbeat, specialists can determine the disease that the patient is suffering from.

Rhythm

Heart rhythm is the cyclic alternation of “beats” of the heart muscles over the course of a minute. These are vibrations of the walls of the artery. They characterize the movement of blood through the arteries during heart contractions. For diagnostic purposes, the pulse is measured at the temple, thigh, under the knee, posterior tibia and other places where arteries pass close to the surface of the body. In patients, the rhythm of heart beats is often disturbed.

Frequency

The pulsation frequency is the number of “beats” per minute. It can be counted by pressing on the arterial vessels. Heart rate (pulse) over a wide range of loads characterizes the speed at which blood is pushed through. There are two types of heart rate deviations:

• bradycardia (slow heartbeat);
• tachycardia (fast heartbeat).

The contraction interval can be calculated with a tonometer, and not just by simple palpation. The frequency rate depends on the age of the person whose pulse is measured. The frequency depends not only on age and pathologies. With physical activity, the frequency also increases.

If your heart rate is high, you need to find out what your blood pressure is. If it is low, it is necessary to use drugs that reduce the rate of contractions by any of the methods available to the patient, since too rapid heartbeats are very dangerous.

Heart beat size

The magnitude of the “blows” is characterized by the tension of the oscillatory movements and filling. These indicators are the condition of the arteries, as well as their elasticity. There are such deviations:

• strong pulse if a large amount of blood is released into the aorta;
• weak pulse if the aorta is narrowed, for example, or vascular stenosis;
• intermittent, if large heartbeats alternate with weak ones;
• thread-like, if vibrations are almost not palpable.

Voltage

This parameter is determined by the force that must be applied to stop blood flow in the artery. Voltage is determined by the level of systolic blood pressure. There are different types of deviations:

• hard contractions observed at high pressure levels;
• soft ones occur when the artery is easily blocked without effort.

Filling

This parameter is influenced by the quantitative volume of blood released into the artery. It affects the strength of vibration of the vascular walls. If the filling during the study is normal, the pulse is considered full. If the filling of the arteries is weak, the pulse will be weakly filled. For example, with a large loss of blood. During a hypertensive crisis, the heartbeats are very full.

Pulse form

This indicator depends on the value of pressure vibration between vascular contractions. There are several options for deviation from the normal value of the indicator:

• rapid heartbeats occur when a large volume of blood enters from the ventricles and the elasticity of the arteries (This leads to a decrease in diastolic pressure);
• slow with slight changes in blood pressure (with a decrease in the cross-section of the aortic walls or mitral valve dysfunction);
• speech attacks are observed during the passage of an additional wave.

Parvus, tardus means “slow, small”. This filling of pulsations is typical when the amplitude of oscillations decreases and the speed decreases. Pulse tardus parvus is characteristic of patients with mitral valve disease or suffering from narrowing of the main artery.

Where and how can you explore?

There are a limited number of places on the human body where pulse contractions can be examined. And there are many fewer options for studying it at home. It is possible to examine the pulse without using instruments only by palpation. You can find and measure the quality and strength of your heartbeats at:

• wrist (near the radius);
• elbow;
• brachial or axillary arteries;
• temples;
• feet;
• neck (where the carotid artery is located);
• jaws.

In addition, pulsation can be easily felt in the groin or popliteal fossa.

Normal pulse frequency

The rate of heart beat fluctuations varies depending on age. For a newborn baby, the number of beats is about 110 beats. At 5 years of age, their rate fluctuates around 86, and for 60 years, heartbeats fluctuate around 65 per minute. Doctors compiled a table of pulse fluctuation values:

This pulse is a beating in the jugular veins, in the fossa of the neck and several other places that are located close to the heart. It is impossible to measure it at the site of small veins.

The properties of the venous pulse, like the arterial pulse, are characterized by frequency, rhythm and other parameters. A study of the veins is carried out to determine what the pulse wave is and to assess venous pressure. The easiest way to examine is the right internal jugular vein. Venous pulse is measured as follows:

• the person is placed on the bed at an angle of 30 degrees;
• the neck muscles need to be relaxed;
• the neck is positioned so that the light falls tangentially to the skin of the neck;
• The hand is applied to the veins in the neck.

To compare the phases of the venous and cardiac cycles and not confuse them, the left vein is palpated.

Other research methods

One of the main ways to study the venous pulse is venography. This is a way of recording cardiac vibrations associated with the filling of large veins that are located near the heart. Registration is carried out in the form of a venogram.

More often, the device for this purpose is fixed near the jugular veins. There the pulse is more clearly expressed and can be felt with your fingers.

Diagnostic value

A phlebogram evaluates the quality of the pulse, which characterizes the state of the vascular wall of the veins, allows one to determine the shape and length of blood waves, and judge the functioning and pressure of the right heart parts. In pathology, the graphic representation of individual waves changes. They increase, decrease, and sometimes even disappear. For example, when there is difficulty in the outflow of blood from the right atrium, the force of contractions increases.

This type of pulse is nothing more than redness of the edge of the nail plate when pressing on it. A similar effect can be performed with a special glass on the patient’s lips or forehead. With a normal capillary rhythm, in the area of ​​pressure along the border of the spot, one can observe rhythmic redness - blanching, which appears in time with heart contractions. These skin manifestations were first described by Quincke. The presence of a rhythm of capillary flows is characteristic of insufficient functioning of the aortic valves. The higher the degree of insufficiency of the latter, the more pronounced the capillary pulsation.

There are precapillary pulses and true pulses. True is the pulsation of the branches of the capillaries. It is easy to identify: noticeable pulsating redness of the nail at the end of the nail plate in young patients after exposure to the sun, in a bath, etc. Such pulsation often indicates thyrotoxicosis, a deficiency of blood flow in the arteries or veins.

Precapillary pulsation (Quincke) is characteristic of vessels larger than capillaries; it manifests itself when arterioles pulsate. It can be seen on the nail bed without pressing, it is also visible on the lips or forehead. Such pulsation is observed with aortic dysfunction in systole with a large stroke volume and a powerful wave that reaches the arterioles.

Identification technique

This pulsation is determined, as mentioned above, by pressing on the patient’s nail plate. Pressure methods are described above. A test for the presence of these heartbeats is carried out in case of suspected pathology of the circulatory system.

There are several ways to detect this type of pulse.

Pulse rate

There are no normal characteristics of the capillary pulse. It is simply impossible to see such pulsation with the naked eye if the circulatory system is healthy.

Heart pulse is one of the main clinical indicators that are part of a comprehensive diagnosis of human health. It shows how much pushing and oscillation the walls of blood vessels make during the cardiac cycle. The cardiac cycle refers to the total sequence of processes that occur in the heart muscle during its contraction and relaxation. A person’s normal heart rate is determined not only by age, but also by the degree of physical fitness: a well-trained person needs fewer heartbeats to pump a certain volume of blood than a person leading a sedentary lifestyle.

What heart rate is considered normal?

The ideal norm of heart beats per minute, in which the human pulse is measured, is considered to be an interval from 60 to 90. If the heart rate (heart rate) is less than 60 beats per minute, and this clinical picture persists for three measurements in a row with an interval of 3-7 days , the patient is diagnosed with bradycardia. This is one of the pathologies of sinus rhythm in which the pulse can drop to 30 beats per minute or lower. The patient experiences constant weakness and drowsiness. His performance decreases, headaches appear, and dizziness often occurs. If the heart rate slows significantly (less than 30-35 beats per minute), loss of consciousness and cessation of respiratory function are possible.

The causes of bradycardia can be:
• increased intracranial pressure;
• atherosclerosis of myocardial vessels (the inner muscular layer of the heart);
• taking certain medications, such as quinine derivatives;
• decreased production of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism);
• poisoning with heavy metals (lead, mercury, etc.);
• starvation;
• gastrointestinal infections.

For most people, a decrease in heart rate to 40-50 beats per minute is asymptomatic, but if pathological signs occur (asthenic syndrome, flashing spots before the eyes, pressure in the chest), it is necessary to seek medical help.

If the pulse is above 90 beats

This condition is called tachycardia. Tachycardia can be temporary or chronic. Most often, deviations from the normal heartbeat through attacks of sinus or paroxysmal tachycardia are observed in women. The causes may be disorders in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, diseases of the endocrine system and hemodynamic disorders.

If the normal heart rate in adults is about 70-90 beats per minute, then with any form of tachycardia (including ventricular fibrillation) this figure reaches 100-110 beats. The patient's condition worsens, he develops shortness of breath, insomnia, and may experience dull or stabbing pain in the sternum. If it lasts for a long time, tachycardia is dangerous to health, since the blood supply to the heart muscle is disrupted and its function deteriorates. If drug correction is not carried out in a timely manner, the development of coronary disease and heart failure is possible.

Heart rate by age (table)

The normal pulse rate by age in women and men differs slightly, although in women this figure may be slightly higher due to physiological characteristics (for example, unstable hormonal balance). Below is a table indicating the normal human pulse by year and age. You can roughly use it as a guide when independently assessing the functioning of the cardiovascular system, but only a doctor can accurately analyze possible deviations and identify their nature.

Age-specific heart rate (without load)

Heart rate is measured in beats per minute. The normal heart rate is calculated as the average of the minimum and maximum values.

In women (especially)

The normal heart rate for adult women may be slightly higher than that of men in the same age group. This is due to hormonal instability, which changes every month during menstruation. Significant fluctuations in hormones and associated changes in heart rate can occur during pregnancy and lactation: during this period, the woman’s body intensively synthesizes the hormones necessary for the maintenance and development of pregnancy and the production of breast milk - prostaglandin, prolactin and progesterone.

An increase in pulse rate in female patients may also be associated with gynecological hormone-dependent diseases, for example, endometriosis, endometritis, endometrial hyperplasia, and uterine fibroids. With these pathologies, the level of estrogen in the female body decreases, which leads to disruption of the normal hormonal balance and changes in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. During menopause (45-50 years), the average heart rate in women is approximately comparable to that of men.

In men (peculiarities)

In men, changes in heart rate in most cases occur as a result of a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse, and smoking. Errors in nutrition (increased consumption of salt, spices, fatty foods) can also affect heart rate, therefore, if heart rate significantly deviates from the norm, the first priority is to correct lifestyle and get rid of bad habits.

The heart rate in men involved in sports is always higher than in women of the same age leading a measured lifestyle, and can reach 100 beats per minute, which is not considered a pathology in the absence of other signs and symptoms.

In children (table)

The baby's pulse at birth is always high and ranges from 100 to 150 beats per minute. The heart contracts intensively during this period, so these values ​​are considered the physiological norm and do not require any treatment.

A higher heart rate may be the result of intrauterine or postpartum hypoxia, so such children need careful monitoring and examination by specialists: a pulmonologist, cardiologist, infectious disease specialist, endocrinologist. Signs of postpartum hypoxia may include unnatural pale skin, poor sleep, and lack of sucking and other innate reflexes. By 3-6 months, a child’s pulse can approach values ​​of 90-120 beats per minute and remain within these limits until the age of ten.

Pulse in children: normal

In children over 10 years of age and adolescents, the heart rate is the same as in adults and is 70-90 beats per minute.

Pulse is one of the most important indicators of the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The pulse rate may slow down or increase depending on the influence of various factors (physical activity, stress, nutrition), but in the absence of pathologies, heart contractions should quickly return to normal.

If this does not happen, you should consult a doctor, since such a clinical picture may be a manifestation of chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease and other heart diseases that increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

How our heart works:

Author of the article: Sergey Vladimirovich, a supporter of reasonable biohacking and an opponent of modern diets and quick weight loss. I will tell you how a man aged 50+ can remain fashionable, handsome and healthy, and how to feel like 30 in his fifties. About the author.