Final answer:
Average pulse rates differ by age; adults normamlly range from 60 to 100 bpm, infants typically around 120 to 130 bpm, and it generally decreases with age to stabilize during adolescence to adult levels. Physical activity and fitness can also influence heart rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average pulse or heart rate (HR) varies depending on age. For adults, a normal resting HR will be in the range of 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). When it comes to children, the HRs differ as they age:
- Infants (0-1 year): Newborns can have a resting HR around 120 bpm, and an infant's pulse rate is usually measured to be 130 ± 5 beats/min.
- Young children (1-10 years): As they grow, the pulse rate generally decreases. A child under 1 year has a normal respiratory rate between 30 and 60 breaths per minute, but by 10 years old, the rate is closer to 18 to 30 breaths per minute.
- Adolescents (11-20 years): By adolescence, the HR further slows down, typically aligning with the adult average of 60-100 bpm. The respiratory rate also reaches adult levels at 12 to 18 breaths per minute.
HRs are also influenced by factors such as fitness levels and physical activity. Trained athletes may have lower than average HRs. It's important to note that disorders such as bradycardia (resting HR below 60 bpm) and tachycardia (resting HR above 100 bpm) can indicate health issues, although they may not always be of clinical concern if they are not accompanied by other symptoms.