Final answer:
The resting heart rate is the number of heart beats per minute when at rest, typically ranging from 60-100 bpm for adults. Bradycardia is when the rate is below 60 bpm, and tachycardia is when it is above 100 bpm, with various factors affecting these conditions. Knowing one's resting heart rate can provide insight into heart health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The resting heart rate (RHR) is the number of heart beats per minute (bpm) when an individual is at rest. For a typical adult, a normal resting heart rate falls within the range of 60-100 bpm. The RHR can be influenced by several factors, including overall health and fitness levels, age, and the presence of cardiovascular conditions.
Conditions such as bradycardia occur when the resting heart rate drops below 60 bpm, whereas tachycardia is defined when the resting heart rate exceeds 100 bpm. Athletes commonly have a lower RHR due to more efficient heart function, and this low rate is typically not a concern unless accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or fatigue. The RHR is an important indicator of cardiac function and cardiovascular health.
Factors that can affect the resting heart rate include the function of the electrical nodes in the heart, metabolic and endocrine disorders, neurological issues, and certain medications. In some cases, such as serious bradycardia, a pacemaker may be necessary to correct the heart rate. Tachycardia, while abnormal at rest, can occur during pregnancy, stress or due to various health conditions, and may require medical treatment depending on the underlying cause.
It's important for individuals to know their resting heart rate as it can be a good indicator of their heart health and when measured repeatedly over time, can reveal changes or trends that could warrant medical attention.