An infant's normal pulse rate can range from 120 to 160 bpm, children under 7 years generally have a rate of 70 to 120 bpm, and over 7 years, it normalizes to 60 to 100 bpm which is also the range for adults. Pulse rates vary with age, fitness, and health.
The pulse rate at birth for an infant is generally around 120 to 160 beats per minute (bpm), with some variation depending on individual circumstances. As children grow, this rate changes. For children under 7 years old, the typical heart rate ranges from 70 to 120 bpm. Once children are older than 7, their average pulse rates tend to range between 60 to 100 bpm, gradually decreasing into young adulthood. In adults, a normal resting pulse rate is between 60 and 100 bpm. Factors such as fitness level, activity, and health can affect these rates. For example, trained athletes may exhibit lower heart rates, reflecting their enhanced cardiovascular fitness.
When measuring the pulse rate, one is actually feeling the heartbeat, which is the pressure of the blood in the arteries. A rapid assessment for 10 seconds multiplied by 6 can provide an estimate of the beats per minute, but measuring for a full minute is more accurate, especially in medical assessments.
Pulse rates vary with age and fitness level. By knowing the appropriate range for each age, one can determine whether a heart rate is normal or if it indicates a potential irregularity or health concern.