The pulse is at rest. The main functional indicators of the work of the heart Heart rate below normal

The heart rate indicator is one of our signs of life - it is the number of heart beats per minute. The heart rate changes.

  • The resting heart rate refers to the heart rate when the body is completely relaxed.
  • A person's heart rate increases with exercise - the purpose of this increase is to provide more oxygen and energy to maintain activity.

Heart rate can increase dramatically in response to the release of adrenaline, preparing the body for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a hormone also known as epinephrine.

Facts about heart rate and pulse rate

  • Heart rate is the number of heart beats per minute.
  • The heart rate increases significantly in response to the action of adrenaline when a person is frightened or surprised.
  • Measuring a person's pulse rate is also a measurement of heart rate.
  • The pulse can be measured by lightly pressing two fingers on the wrist.
  • Weaker impulses are felt behind the knees, in the groin, at the temples of the head, and at the top of the inside of the foot.
  • The normal heart rate for an adult at rest is 60-100 beats per minute.
  • Many professional athletes have a heart rate below normal, that is, below 60 beats per minute.
  • Tachycardia means an excessively fast heartbeat - more than 100 beats per minute
  • Bradycardia - the heart beats too slowly, usually below 60 beats per minute.
  • During exercise, the heart rate is 220 minus the person's age.

Your heart rate

Our heart is a muscular organ located in the center of the chest. Its task is to pump blood, and with it oxygen and nutrients. Another important function is the removal of waste products from organs and tissues.

Very often the heart is mentioned as one of the important organs of the body, as central to life and health. Without its function as a pump, blood is not able to move through our body.

A healthy heart supplies the body with the right amount of blood at the right frequency, no matter what you do. If illness or injury weakens the heart, the organs no longer receive enough blood to function properly.

When the heart pumps blood through the arteries, it creates an impulse that you can feel in the vessels near the surface of the skin on the wrist, elbow, neck, and so on.

The heart rate increases in response to the body's need for oxygen and nutrients, such as during exercise or stressful situations.

We wrote about the difference between heart rate and pulse rate in the article.

Normal heart rate (HR) at rest

The heart rate gradually decreases as the child grows. For adults, including the elderly, the normal resting heart rate is in the range 60-100 beats per minute.

Average heart rate by age (beats per minute):

  • The first month of life - 70-190
  • 2-11 months - 80-160
  • 1-2 years - 80-130
  • 3-4 years - 80-120
  • 5-6 years old - 75-115
  • 7-8 years - 70-110
  • Starting from 10 years old, as well as adults and the elderly - 60-100
  • Well-trained athletes - 40-60

The normal heart rate constantly undergoes healthy changes in response to several conditions, including exercise, body temperature, body position, and emotions such as anxiety or arousal.

Norms of heart rate indicators during training

The maximum heart rate during training is 220 minus age. The heart rate during moderate exercise is 50-69% of maximum heart rate, while during heavy exercise it is 70-90% of maximum heart rate.

Age Target heart rate zone, 50-85% Average maximum, 100%
20 years 100-170 beats per minute 200 beats per minute
30 years 95-162 beats per minute 190 beats per minute
35 years 93-157 bpm 185 beats per minute
40 years 90-153 bpm 180 beats per minute
45 years 88-149 bpm 175 beats per minute
50 years 85-145 beats per minute 170 beats per minute
55 years 83-140 bpm 165 beats per minute
60 years 80-136 bpm 160 beats per minute
65 years old 78-132 bpm 155 beats per minute
70 years old 75-128 beats per minute 150 beats per minute

Abnormal heart rhythms

Our heart should beat constantly, with regular breaks between beats. It has an electrical system that tells it when to contract and push blood. If something is wrong with this system, then abnormal heart rhythms can be observed.

You should not feel heartbeats at rest. If you feel that the heart is out of rhythm or beats too fast or slow, then you should consult a doctor.

Perhaps you feel like the heart skips beats or, on the contrary, makes additional beats. This extra beat is called ectopic systole. Ectopic systole is, in fact, widespread and in most cases harmless and does not require treatment. If you are worried about this, then an ECG should be done and the doctor will evaluate the heart rate and rhythm.

There are many different types of abnormal heart rhythms. Which type you have depends on where exactly the electrical impulse is generated in your heart and whether it makes the heart beat too fast or too slow. The most common abnormal rhythm is when unstable beats appear instead of normal beats.

Rapid heart rhythms such as supraventricular tachycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation are known as tachycardia.

Slow heart rhythms such as atrioventricular heart block, interventricular block, bundle branch block are called bradycardia.

Why does the heart keep beating?

The heart makes electricity beat. The heartbeat and its frequency is regulated by the heart's natural pacemaker.

The natural pacemaker is called the sinus node, it consists of special cells that are able to create an electrical impulse and thereby maintain the work of the heart, and with it blood flow.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) gives an indication of the electrical impulse as it travels from the top of the heart to the bottom. It is a simple and handy tool to check your heart rate and rhythm.

The pulse, heartbeat, and outline of a normal ECG are perhaps the most symbolic and well-known symbols of medicine.

Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time (usually one minute). It is believed that the heart rate is the same as the pulse, but it is not.

What is the difference between heart rate and pulse

As already mentioned, the heart rate shows how many contractions the heart makes, namely its lower sections - the ventricles - per minute.

Pulse, or pulse rate, is the number of dilations of an artery at the time of ejection of blood by the heart per minute. Blood passing through the vessels during the contraction of the heart creates a bulge in the arteries, which is determined by touch.

The value of the pulse and heart rate, indeed, can be equal, but not always, but only in healthy people.

For example, with rhythm disturbances, the heart beats randomly. If it contracted twice in a row, then the left ventricle did not have time to fill with blood. Thus, the second contraction occurs when the ventricle is empty, and blood is not ejected from it into the aorta and peripheral vessels. Therefore, the pulse in the arteries will not be heard, while the contraction of the heart has occurred. With atrial fibrillation and some other diseases, the heart rate does not correspond to the pulse rate. This phenomenon is called a pulse deficit. In such cases, it is impossible to determine the heart rate by measuring the pulse. This can only be done by listening to the beats of the heart, for example, using a phonendoscope.

In pulse deficiency, the heart rate is greater than the pulse. This usually happens with atrial fibrillation and extrasystole.

Norm

Normally, in adults, the heart rate is from 60 to 80 beats per minute. If the frequency is less than 60 - this is bradycardia, if above 80 - tachycardia.

Resting heart rate will vary depending on:

  • the person's age;
  • his gender;
  • body size;
  • fitness.

In newborns, this figure is usually 120-140 beats per minute. If the child is premature, the value will be higher - from 140 to 160. In children, by the year it decreases to 110-120, by five years - to 100, by 10 - to 90, by 13 - to 80.

In a trained person, the heart rate is below normal and averages about 50, while in those leading a sedentary lifestyle, it can reach 100 beats at rest.

In women, the heart rate is about 6 beats higher than in men, and it increases even more before the onset of menstruation.

In a healthy older person, the normal heart rate is usually 80 beats. If this figure has risen to 160, then this indicates the presence of a serious illness.

When it changes

The value varies at different times of the day. The indicator changes throughout the day depending on the following factors:

  • during physical activity;
  • in moments of anger, fear, excitement and other emotions;
  • depending on the position of the body (lying, sitting, standing);
  • after eating;
  • after taking certain medications.

The heart rate increases after eating, especially hot and protein.

With an increase in body temperature to 37 degrees, it increases by 20 strokes.

During sleep, it decreases by five to seven units.

Heart rate increases by about 10% when a person is sitting and by 20% when standing.

Heart rate rises:

  • when in a stuffy, hot room;
  • during stress;
  • during physical exertion.

Causes of tachycardia and bradycardia

If the resting heart rate does not correspond to the norm, then this may be a sign of a disease. Usually, other manifestations of the disease are also present.

If tachycardia is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, fainting, then the following is not excluded:

  • infectious disease;
  • heart disease;
  • the onset of a stroke;
  • endocrine disorders;
  • diseases of the nervous system;
  • tumor processes;
  • anemia.

Normal bradycardia can be observed in the following cases:

  • athletes (40 strokes);
  • in people engaged in heavy physical labor;
  • while taking certain medications.

It can also be a sign of disease:

  • poisoning;
  • heart attack;
  • stomach ulcers;
  • hypothyroidism;
  • myocardial inflammation.

How to measure

Heart rate is measured at rest in a quiet and warm room. To carry out the procedure, you will need a stopwatch and an assistant. Approximately one hour before the measurement, physical and emotional stress and smoking should be excluded. It is not recommended to take medications, drink alcoholic beverages.


To measure heart rate, you need to put your hand on your chest

The person whose heart rate will be measured can lie down or sit down. After he takes the desired position, you need to calmly lie down or sit for five minutes.

The assistant places a clean, dry hand on the chest below the left nipple in the man and under the mammary gland in the woman.

It is necessary to determine the impact on the chest in the region of the apex of the heart, which is called the apex beat. It is audible in half of healthy people in the fifth intercostal space, if the person is standing. If it cannot be determined, then it falls on the edge.

After that, you need to take a stopwatch and start counting the contractions of the human heart for a minute. If the rhythm is wrong, you need to do this for three minutes, then divide the resulting number by three.

You can measure heart rate in other places, where the arteries come close to the surface. Pulsation is well felt:

  • on the neck,
  • under the collarbone
  • at the temple
  • on shoulders,
  • on the thigh.

When measuring the pulse, for more accurate results, you need to do it on both sides of the body.


Athletes need to monitor their heart rate while exercising.

Maximum heart rate

This is the highest number of beats per minute that the heart can make. This indicator is used by athletes to know what maximum load the heart can be subjected to.

It is best to determine the maximum heart rate clinically, that is, this should be done by a cardiologist using a treadmill and an electrocardiograph.

There is another simplified way to find out the capabilities of your heart, but the result will be approximate. The maximum heart rate is determined by the formula:

  • for men - 220 minus age;
  • for women - 226 minus age.

Conclusion

Heart rate is one of the important indicators of the work of the heart. Like heart rate, it is widely used in medicine for diagnostic purposes, as well as in sports to monitor the intensity of training.


During physical exertion, the functional indicators of the work of the heart change. The heart rate increases, the stroke volume of the heart increases, blood flow parameters change, the respiratory rate increases, changes occur in other organs. It is very important that the indicators of the work of the heart do not go beyond the limiting norms, especially for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Normal heart rate (HR) per minute in adults

The main indicators of heart function in adults are as follows:

  • the normal heart rate at rest is 65 beats / min: for trained people - 50 - 60 beats / min, for untrained people - 70-80 beats / min;
  • heart rate decreases with age;
  • heart rate per minute in women is 5-6 beats higher than in men;
  • Heart rate increases by 10% when you sit down and by 20% when standing;
  • during sleep, heart rate decreases by 5-7 beats / min;
  • after eating, especially protein, within 3 hours, the heart rate increases by 3-5 beats / min;

The heart rate in adults increases in proportion to the ambient temperature (with an increase in body temperature by 10 C, the heart rate increases by 10 bpm) and the intensity of physical activity.

Norms of stroke and minute volume of the heart

In a physically active person, compared with a "couch potato", with a heart rate difference of 20 beats / min, the heart beats 30,000 beats less often in 1 hour, and more than 1,300,000 beats in one year.

At rest (during diastole, relaxation), the volume of blood in the ventricle consists of three components:

  • systolic (shock) volume ejected during heart contraction;
  • a reserve volume that increases the shock with an increase in the contractile function of the myocardium (for example, during exercise);
  • residual volume that is not ejected from the ventricle even with the maximum contraction of the myocardium.

With an increase in physical activity, the rate of stroke volume of the heart increases due to the reserve volume. When the reserve volume of blood is exhausted, the increase in stroke volume will stop, and at very high loads it will even decrease, since there will be no effective filling of the heart.

A detrained heart works uneconomically and responds to any load mainly with an increase in heart rate, and not with an increase in stroke output. Regular physical activity gradually increases the power of the heart, which, contracting relatively less often, but stronger, is able to provide normal blood supply to all the muscles included in the load.

The heart of an untrained person at rest in one contraction ejects 50-70 ml of blood into the aorta. Regular exercise improves heart function and increases stroke volume to 90-110 ml at rest.

Minute volume of the heart is determined by stroke volume and heart rate. During physical activity, MOS increases due to the fact that with active muscle contraction, vein compression occurs, blood outflow from all organs increases, and the heart fills with blood faster. MOS at the beginning of work gradually increases due to stroke volume and an adequate increase in heart rate, and when a certain power is reached, it becomes stable.

Types of blood flow and its norms: speed and indicators of blood flow

In order to create favorable conditions for metabolic processes during physical exertion, in addition to increasing the cardiac output, redistribution of blood flow in organs and tissues is required. There are several types of blood flow, among them muscular, coronary, cerebral and pulmonary.

Blood flow in the muscles. With physical activity, the heart rate, the volume of blood that is pushed out of the heart into the vessels, and blood pressure increase. All this is necessary so that more oxygen enters the working muscles, which are penetrated by thin blood vessels (capillaries). Some of them are working, while others are sleeping. During physical work, the capillaries “wake up” and are also included in the work. As a result, the surface through which oxygen is exchanged between blood and tissue increases. This is what experts consider the main factor that ensures the high performance of the heart.

The proportion of blood flow in the muscles in relation to the total blood flow in the body increases from 20% at rest to 80% at maximum loads.

Coronary blood flow:

  • Supplies blood to the heart muscle through the right and left coronary arteries;
  • indicators of coronary blood flow at rest - 60-70 ml / min per 100 g of myocardium;
  • under load increases by more than 5 times;
  • the rate of coronary blood flow is regulated by metabolic processes in the myocardium and the pressure in the aorta.

Pulmonary blood flow:

  • the rate of pulmonary blood flow is determined by the position of the body. At rest: lying down - 15% of the total blood volume, standing up - 20% less than lying down;
  • cardiopulmonary blood flow increases during exercise and is redistributed due to an increase in the pulmonary component (from 600 ml to 1400 ml) and a decrease in the cardiac one;
  • during intense physical exertion, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pulmonary capillaries increases by 2-3 times and the rate of blood passing through the lungs increases by 2-2.5 times.

Blood flow in the internal organs. At rest, blood circulation in the internal organs is 50% of the cardiac output. With an increase in physical activity, it decreases and at its peak is only 3-4%. This ensures optimal blood supply to the working muscles, heart and lungs.

The proportion of blood flow in the internal organs decreases from 50% at rest to 3-4% at maximum loads.

Features of the respiratory rate during physical exertion

The depth and frequency of breathing during physical exertion increases due to the intensity of contractions of the respiratory muscles: diaphragm and intercostals. The more they are trained, the more efficient is the ventilation of the lungs, which increases with increasing load and oxygen demand. At maximum loads, it can increase by 20–25 times compared to the state of rest due to an increase in the frequency (up to 60–70 per minute) and volume (from 15 to 50% of the vital capacity of the lungs) of breathing. In trained people, vital capacity, circulating air volume, maximum ventilation increase, and resting respiratory rate decreases. The peculiarity of breathing during physical exertion is that regular training can increase the maximum oxygen consumption by 15 - 30%.

After inhalation, oxygen, passing through the upper respiratory tract and lungs, enters the blood. A small proportion of oxygen dissolves in the blood plasma, most of it binds to a special protein - hemoglobin, which is contained in red blood cells. It is he who carries oxygen to the working muscles.

Oxygen consumption increases with the intensity of the load. However, there comes a point when breathing during exercise is no longer accompanied by an increase in oxygen consumption. This level is called maximum oxygen uptake.

Carbon dioxide, which we release when we exhale, is the most important regulator of the function of internal organs. Its deficiency leads to spasms of the bronchi, blood vessels, intestines and may be one of the causes of angina pectoris, arterial hypertension, bronchial asthma, stomach ulcers, colitis. In order to avoid a deficiency of carbon dioxide in the body, it is not recommended to breathe very deeply. “Shallow” breathing is considered useful, in which the desire to breathe deeper remains.

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Patients at the reception are often interested in what kind of physical activity is safe and good for their heart. Most often, this question arises before the first visit to the gym. There are many parameters for controlling the maximum load, but one of the most informative is the pulse. Its count determines the heart rate (HR).

Why is it important to control your heart rate during exercise? To better understand this, I will first try to explain in an accessible way the physiological basis of the adaptation of the cardiovascular system to physical activity.

Cardiovascular system under load

Against the background of the load, the need for oxygen in tissues increases. Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) serves as a signal to the body that it needs an increase in the activity of the cardiovascular system. The main task of the CCC is to make sure that the supply of oxygen to the tissues covers its costs.

The heart is a muscular organ that performs a pumping function. The more actively and efficiently it pumps blood, the better the organs and tissues are provided with oxygen. The first way to increase blood flow is to speed up the work of the heart. The higher the heart rate, the more blood it can “pump” over a certain period of time.

The second way to adapt to the load is to increase the stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected into the vessels in one heartbeat). That is, improving the "quality" of the work of the heart: the larger the volume of the chambers of the heart is occupied by blood, the higher the contractility of the myocardium. This causes the heart to push out more blood. This phenomenon is called the Frank-Starling law.

Pulse calculation for different load zones

As the heart rate increases during exercise, the body undergoes various physiological changes. Calculations of heart rate for different pulse zones in sports training are based on this feature. Each of the zones corresponds to the percentage of heart rate from the maximum possible indicator. They are chosen depending on the desired goal. Types of intensity zones:

  1. Therapeutic area. Heart rate - 50-60% of the maximum. Used to strengthen the cardiovascular system.
  2. . 60-70%. The fight against excess weight.
  3. Strength zone. 70-80%. Increasing resistance to intense physical activity.
  4. Improvement zone (heavy). 80-90%. An increase in anaerobic endurance is the ability for prolonged physical exertion when the body's oxygen consumption is higher than its intake. Only for experienced athletes.
  5. Improvement zone (maximum). 90-100%. Development of sprint speed.

For safe training of the cardiovascular system, use the pulse zone No. 1.

1. First, find the maximum heart rate (HRmax), for this:

  • 220 - age (years).
  • it is from HRmax * 0.5 to HRmax * 0.6.

An example of calculating the optimal heart rate for training:

  • The patient is 40 years old.
  • HRmax: 220 - 40 = 180 beats / min.
  • Recommended zone No. 1: 180*0.5 to 180*0.6.

Calculation of the pulse for the selected therapeutic area:

  1. 180*0,5 = 90
  2. 180*0,6 = 108

The target pulse under load for a person 40 years old should be: from 90 to 108 beats / min.

That is, the load during classes must be distributed so that the heart rate is written out in this range.

Age (years)Recommended heart rate (bpm)
Table with the optimal heart rate for training the cardiovascular system by age.
20 100-120
25 97-117
30 95-114
35 92-111
40 90-108
45 87-105
50 85-102
55 82-99
60 80-96
65 and older70-84

At first glance, these heart rate indicators in the pulse zone No. 1 seem insufficient for training, but this is not so. Training should take place gradually, with a slow increase in the target heart rate. Why? The CCC needs to “get used to” the changes. If an unprepared person (even a relatively healthy one) is immediately given maximum physical activity, then this will end in a breakdown of the adaptive mechanisms of the cardiovascular system.

The boundaries of the pulse zones are blurred, therefore, with positive dynamics and the absence of contraindications, a smooth transition to the pulse zone No. 2 is possible (with a pulse rate of up to 70% of the maximum). Safe training of the cardiovascular system is limited to the first two heart rate zones, since the loads in them are aerobic (the supply of oxygen completely compensates for its consumption). Starting from the 3rd pulse zone, there is a transition from aerobic to anaerobic loads: the tissues begin to lack incoming oxygen.

The duration of classes is from 20 to 50 minutes, the frequency is from 2 to 3 times a week. I advise you to add to the lesson no more than 5 minutes every 2-3 weeks. It is imperative to focus on your own feelings. Tachycardia during exercise should not cause discomfort. An overestimated characteristic of the pulse during the measurement and a deterioration in well-being indicates excessive physical exertion.

Shown moderate physical activity. The main landmark is the ability to talk while jogging. If during running the pulse and respiratory rate increased to the recommended ones, but this does not interfere with the conversation, then the load can be considered moderate.

For training the heart, light and moderate physical activity is suitable. Namely:

  • : Hiking in the park;
  • Nordic walking with sticks (one of the most effective and safe types of cardio training);
  • Jogging;
  • Not fast cycling or exercise bike under pulse control.

In the conditions of the gym, a treadmill is suitable. The heart rate calculation is the same as for heart rate zone #1. The simulator is used in the fast walking mode without lifting the canvas.

What is the maximum heart rate allowed?

The heart rate during exercise is directly proportional to the magnitude of the load. The more physical work the body performs, the higher the oxygen demand of the tissues and, consequently, the faster the heart rate.

The pulse in untrained people at rest is in the range from 60 to 90 beats / min. Against the background of the load, it is physiological and natural for the body to accelerate the heart rate by 60-80% of the figure at rest.

The adaptive possibilities of the heart are not unlimited, therefore, there is the concept of "maximum heart rate", which limits the intensity and duration of physical activity. This is the highest value of heart rate at maximum effort until the moment of extreme fatigue.

It is calculated by the formula: 220 - age in years. Here is an example: if a person is 40 years old, then for him the heart rate is max-180 bpm. When calculating, an error of 10-15 bpm is possible. There are over 40 formulas for calculating maximum heart rate, but this one is more convenient to use.

Below is a table with allowable maximum heart rates depending on age and, with moderate physical exertion (running, brisk walking).

Table of target and maximum heart rate during physical exertion:

Age, yearsTarget heart rate in the zone 50 - 85% of the maximumMaximum heart rate
20 100 – 170 200
30 95 – 162 190
35 93 – 157 185
40 90 – 153 180
45 88 – 149 175
50 85 – 145 170
55 83 – 140 165
60 80 – 136 160
65 78 – 132 155
70 75 - 128 150

How to check your fitness level?

To test your capabilities, there are special tests for checking the pulse, which determine the level of a person's fitness under load. Main types:

  1. Step test. Use a special step. Within 3 minutes, a four-stroke step is performed (successively climb and descend from the step). After 2 minutes, the pulse is determined and compared with the table.
  2. Squat test (Martinet-Kushelevsky). Measure the initial pulse rate. Perform 20 squats in 30 seconds. The assessment is carried out according to the increase in heart rate and the speed of its recovery.
  3. Kotov-Deshin test. It is based on the assessment of heart rate and blood pressure after 3 minutes of running in place. For women and children, the time is reduced to 2 minutes.
  4. . Similar to the squat test. The evaluation is based on the Rufier index. To do this, the pulse is measured while sitting before the load, immediately after it and after 1 minute.
  5. Letunov's test. An old informative test that has been used in sports medicine since 1937. Includes heart rate assessment after 3 types of loads: squats, fast running in place, running in place with hip lifting.

To independently check the fitness of the cardiovascular system, it is better to limit yourself to a test with squats. In the presence of cardiovascular diseases, tests can only be carried out under the supervision of specialists.

The influence of physiological characteristics

Heart rate in children is initially higher than in adults. So, for a 2-year-old child who is in a calm state, a pulse of 115 beats per minute is considered the absolute norm. During exercise in children, unlike adults, stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected by the heart into the vessels in one contraction), pulse and blood pressure increase more strongly. The younger the child, the stronger the pulse accelerates even for a slight load. At the same time, the SV does not change much. Closer to 13-15 years, heart rate indicators become similar to adults. Over time, the stroke volume increases.

In old age, too, there are some peculiarities of heart rate readings during exercise. The deterioration of adaptive abilities is largely associated with sclerotic changes in the vessels. Due to the fact that they become less elastic, peripheral vascular resistance increases. Unlike younger people, older people are more likely to have both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The contractility of the heart becomes less with time, therefore, adaptation to the load occurs mainly due to an increase in the pulse rate, and not SV.

There are adaptive differences depending on gender. In men, blood flow improves to a greater extent by increasing stroke volume and to a lesser extent by accelerating heart rate. For this reason, the pulse in men, as a rule, is slightly less (by 6-8 beats / min) than in women.

A person professionally involved in sports has significantly developed adaptive mechanisms. Resting bradycardia is normal for him. The pulse can be below not only 60, but also 40-50 bpm.

Why are athletes comfortable with such a heart rate? Because on the background of training, their stroke volume increased. The heart of an athlete during physical exertion is reduced much more efficiently than that of an untrained person.

How pressure changes under load

Another parameter that changes in response to exercise is blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure experienced by the walls of blood vessels at the time of contraction of the heart (systole). Diastolic blood pressure is the same indicator, but during relaxation of the myocardium (diastole).

An increase in systolic blood pressure is the body's response to an increase in stroke volume provoked by physical activity. Normally, systolic blood pressure increases moderately, up to 15-30% (15-30 mmHg).

Diastolic blood pressure also changes. In a healthy person, during physical activity, it can decrease by 10-15% of the original (on average, by 5-15 mm Hg). This is caused by a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance: in order to increase the supply of oxygen to the tissues, the blood vessels begin to dilate. But more often fluctuations in diastolic blood pressure are either absent or insignificant.

Why is it important to remember this? To avoid misdiagnosis. For example: BP 140/85 mm Hg. immediately after intense physical activity is not a symptom of hypertension. In a healthy person, blood pressure and pulse after exercise quickly return to normal. Usually it takes 2-4 minutes (depending on fitness). Therefore, for reliability, blood pressure and pulse must be rechecked at rest and after rest.

Contraindications for cardio training

There are few contraindications for exercising in the pulse zone No. 1. They are determined individually. Main restrictions:

  • Hypertonic disease. Danger is represented by sharp "jumps" of arterial pressure. Cardio training with GB can be carried out only after proper correction of blood pressure.
  • Ischemic heart disease (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris). All loads are performed outside the acute period and only with the permission of the attending physician. Physical rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease has its own characteristics and deserves a separate article.
  • Inflammatory diseases of the heart. Under a complete ban on the load with endocarditis, myocarditis. Cardio training can be performed only after recovery.

Tachycardia during physical exertion is not just an unreasonable acceleration of heart rate. This is a complex set of adaptive physiological mechanisms.

Heart rate control is the basis of competent and safe training of the cardiovascular system.

For timely correction of the load and the ability to evaluate the results of training of the cardiovascular system, I recommend keeping a diary of heart rate and blood pressure.

Author of the article: Practicing physician Chubeiko V. O. Higher medical education (Omsk State Medical University with honors, academic degree: “candidate of medical sciences”).

Beginning of the fat burning zone

143 – 155 50% – 60%
easy activity zone 132 – 143

Slowing or increased heart rate indicates the development of arrhythmias due to the influence of certain factors. If nothing is done, then failures in the heartbeat can remain on an ongoing basis, and even worsen over time. In order to avoid such problems, it is necessary to find out the features of measuring vascular pulsation and age norms. If serious deviations are detected, you should consult a doctor.

Pulse from Latin is translated as a blow or a push. It is a fluctuation of blood vessels that occurs due to the cycles of the heart muscle. In total there are 3 types of pulse:

  • arterial;
  • venous;
  • capillary.

In a healthy person, the vessels should "fluctuate" after an equal period of time. The rhythm is set by the heart rate (HR), which directly depends on the sinus node. The impulses it sends cause the atria and ventricles to alternately contract. If the detected pulsation is too weak or irregular, then we can talk about the development of pathological processes in the body. The easiest way to identify the arterial pulse. Fluctuations in capillaries and veins are determined in a hospital setting according to individual indications.

Measurement

Pulse measurement is usually carried out on the wrist. It is enough for a person to count the number of pulse waves in 1 minute. For more accurate data, it is recommended to measure both limbs. As a comprehensive examination in a hospital setting, the doctor will first find out the heart rate, then he will count the number of respiratory movements (RR) in 1 minute and determine the type of breathing. The resulting indicator is especially important for assessing the development of the child.

During the measurement of the pulse, you need to pay attention to its rhythm. The shocks must be of the same strength and after an equal period of time. In the absence of deviations, it is enough to give the procedure 30 seconds, and then multiply the result by 2. If a clear violation in the heartbeat is found, then it is better to spend at least 1 minute measuring and consult a doctor. The specialist will prescribe instrumental methods of examination. Chief among these is electrocardiography (ECG). It will allow you to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and identify the causative factor of the arrhythmia. As an addition, the following tests are assigned:

  • Daily ECG monitoring will allow you to see changes in the work of the heart throughout the day under the influence of various factors.
  • The treadmill test is prescribed to assess the heart rate under the influence of physical activity.

Due to vascular problems or injuries, it is sometimes necessary to count pulse waves in other arteries. Instead of the wrist, you can palpate the neck. The vibrations will come from the carotid artery.

Dependence of heart rate on various factors

The normal pulse of a person should remain within 60-90. Its frequency may increase or decrease due to certain factors.
If they are not associated with pathological processes developing in the body, then the deviation caused will be considered harmless. Stress, overwork, overeating and the influence of low temperature, for example, after a long walk in cold weather, only briefly disrupt the usual heart rhythm.

The frequency of contractions may differ depending on the time of day (morning, night). After waking up, a person's pulse is the lowest, and in the evening it is closer to the upper limit. Equally important is physical fitness. In athletes, the number of pulse waves at rest is slightly below normal. Such a phenomenon is associated with intense training, forcing the heart to pump more blood.

The pulse rate for men and women is not particularly different. The difference is 5-7 beats per minute. Significant deviations are detected only because of the peculiarities of the hormonal system. During menopause, which occurs at the age of fifty or sixty, and during pregnancy, female representatives may experience tachycardia and small pressure surges.

The pulse is most dependent on age characteristics:

  • In babies, the heart rate, even in a calm state, is much higher than the norm of an adult. The deviation is caused by the intensive growth of the body.
  • Adolescent children may suffer from tachycardia due to puberty and manifestations of vegetovascular dystonia (VVD). It occurs against the background of stress and anxiety, especially in high school (before exams).
  • In older people, the cardiovascular system is not in the best condition due to gradual wear and tear, so they are more likely to develop various pathologies. Against the background of age-related changes, the heartbeat can be eighty-one hundred beats per minute even at rest, and the reaction to physical activity is usually more pronounced.

Pulse rate in an adult: table by age

The normal pulse of an adult by year (age) is shown in the table:

In an adult, the heart rate norms by age and the permissible pulse limits in a child under 15 years old differ significantly, which can be seen in the following table:

AgeMaximum and minimum limitMean
Up to 3-4 weeks115-165 135
1 to 12 months105-160 130
1-3 years90-150 122
3-5 years85-135 110
5-7 years80-120 100
7-9 years old72-112 92
9-11 years old65-105 85
11-15 years old58-97 77

Knowing what pulse is normal for women and men by age, many diseases can be avoided. Measurement should be taken at rest. Under the influence of other factors (sports, pregnancy), slight deviations are possible.

Heart rate while walking

While walking, there is a slight increase in heart rate. How many heart beats per minute will depend on the fitness of the person. In people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, the heart rate can jump up to 120, while for walkers it will remain within 90-100. To calculate the maximum allowable limit, subtract the person's age from 180.

When walking, the allowable heart rate is as follows:

  • 15 years - 165;
  • 35 years - 145;
  • 55 years - 125;
  • 75 years - 105.

Heartbeat at rest

The pulse in a calm state is determined in the morning. A person needs to sit on a chair and count the pulse. Changing body positions or taking measurements in the evening is not recommended, as the final result will be distorted.

Generally accepted norms at rest:

  • adults - 60-80;
  • elderly - 70-90;
  • teenagers - 70-80;
  • kids under 2 years old - 90-100;
  • newborns - 130-140.

Pulse while running

While jogging, a lot of stress is placed on the heart. People seeking to lose weight should ensure that the pulse is close to the upper limit. If the goal is to strengthen the cardiovascular system, then it is necessary to stop at an indicator that does not exceed 60-70%. To calculate the norm, you need to subtract your age from 200:

If, against the background of an increase in the pulse (within acceptable limits), the pressure indicators remain normal, then the development of pathologies will not follow. Elderly people need to be especially careful. Their body is unable to withstand heavy loads.

Acceptable heart rate during pregnancy

In a woman who is expecting a baby, closer to the 5th month, her heart rate increases. This phenomenon is associated with an increase in the volume of circulating blood against the background of fetal development. Usually the increase is insignificant and gradually the indicators return to the acceptable limit:

  • at 14-26 weeks there is an increase of 10-15 contractions from the norm;
  • the maximum increase occurs between 27 and 32 weeks;
  • gradual normalization occurs closer to the birth of the child.

Causes of tachycardia

Tachycardia is manifested by an increase in heart rate and is divided into physiological and pathological. The first form occurs under the influence of the following factors:

  • pain sensations;
  • physical and mental overload;
  • taking medications;

  • stress;
  • hot weather;
  • bad habits;
  • drinking coffee and energy drinks.

Passes physiological tachycardia on its own and rarely causes complications. The pathological form is the result of various diseases and malfunctions in the body:

  • ischemic heart disease (CHD);
  • hypertension (high blood pressure);
  • pathology of the nervous system;
  • oncological diseases;
  • malformations of the heart muscle;
  • diseases caused by infections;
  • endocrine disruptions;
  • anemia (anemia).

In women, the cause of tachycardia may be menorrhagia. It is a violation in the menstrual cycle, which is characterized by large blood loss during menstruation.

In adolescence, the main cause of heart palpitations is a vegetative failure. It develops under the influence of irritating factors (stress, overwork) and hormonal surges. The problem goes away on its own at the end of the period of sexual development.

Features of bradycardia

A slow heart rate to 50 beats or less is called bradycardia. It is a sign of physiological and pathological factors. In the first case, the list of reasons for the decrease in heart rate is as follows:

  • During sleep, a person's metabolism slows down, body temperature drops slightly and heart rate decreases by about 10% of the norm. The reason for the change in indicators is the complete relaxation of the body.
  • When stimulating the reflex zones (eyeballs, carotid artery), you can inadvertently cause a slight slowdown in the pulse.
  • In the elderly, bradycardia may be the result of age-related cardiosclerosis. Scattered areas of connective tissue throughout the myocardium worsen the contractility of the heart, which contributes to a decrease in heart rate
  • With prolonged exposure to the cold, the heart rate slows down as a protective reaction. The body begins to save resources in order to resist adverse effects longer.
  • Constant physical activity forces the heart to work more than it should. Tissue hypertrophy begins, against which bradycardia develops. For professional athletes, a heart rate in the region of 40-45 beats per minute is considered normal.

The pathological form of bradycardia is a consequence of such factors:

  • inflammatory diseases of the heart muscle;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • taking antihypertensive medications;
  • violation of impulse conduction;
  • hypothyroidism (deficiency of thyroid hormones);
  • hypotension (low blood pressure);
  • stomach ulcer;
  • high intracranial pressure.

In the absence of the ability to identify a causative factor, the diagnosis of "idiopathic bradycardia" is made. If it is not accompanied by other disorders and the symptoms are not particularly pronounced, then it is also equated to physiological forms.

Symptoms of heart failure

Pathological forms of arrhythmia are especially dangerous. They appear quite brightly and often lead to the development of severe complications. In addition to signs of a slow or accelerated heartbeat, symptoms of the underlying pathological process may occur.

Tachycardia is characterized by the following clinical picture:

  • feeling of heartbeat;
  • dizziness;
  • pain and pressure in the chest;
  • dyspnea;

  • increase in pressure;
  • sense of anxiety;
  • pulsation of blood vessels in the neck;
  • irritability;
  • insomnia;
  • lack of air.

Bradycardia is manifested by a decrease in heart rate to 40 beats per minute and below the following symptoms:

  • an attack of dizziness;
  • pre-fainting state;
  • skin blanching;
  • growing weakness
  • chest pain;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • convulsive attacks;
  • respiratory dysfunction.

Actions in case of heart rhythm failure

Physiological arrhythmias do not require a course of therapy. It is enough to avoid the causative factor. Pathological forms are treated by eliminating or stopping the underlying cause. Regardless of the type of failure, it is recommended to contact a cardiologist for an examination, the results of which will be diagnosed.

With bradycardia, you will need to take heart-stimulating medications. It is desirable to combine them with folk remedies based on medicinal herbs. It is possible to increase heart rate during an attack due to light physical activity, caffeine, Zelenin drops and tablets based on belladonna extract.

Rest in a well-ventilated area will help reduce the frequency and intensity of heartbeats. Before this, it is advisable to wash with cold water and remove clothing that tightens the neck area. Additionally, you can do breathing exercises and take valerian tincture.

In both cases, a correction of nutrition, sports and walks in the fresh air are recommended. If it was not possible to stop the attack and the symptoms are growing, then you need to call an ambulance. Arriving specialists should be told about the measures taken to alleviate the condition.

All people who want to avoid diseases of the cardiovascular system should know the norms of the pulse by age. Deviations from acceptable limits can be physiological and pathological. In the first case, treatment is not prescribed. It is enough for the patient to learn about the methods of stopping seizures. The course of therapy for a pathological failure in the heartbeat is aimed at eliminating the causative factor.