Everyone has a resting heart rate, which is the number of times your heart beats per minute while you’re sitting still. You may have noticed that some devices, such as fitness trackers, come equipped with heart rate monitors, and you may have even recorded your own resting heart rate. But what does it mean, and is 66 bpm good for your heart?
Understanding Heart Rate
Your heart rate is controlled by electrical signals that travel through your heart, and your resting heart rate is a good indicator of your cardiovascular health. Generally, the lower your resting heart rate, the healthier your heart is likely to be. This is because a lower heart rate means that your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood through your body.
Factors that can affect your resting heart rate include age, fitness level, and medications you may be taking. Usually, the more physically fit you are, the lower your heart rate will be. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of a “good” resting heart rate. Factors such as your age, gender, and overall health will also affect what may be considered a healthy resting heart rate for you.
What Does 66 bpm Mean?
So, if 66 bpm is your resting heart rate, what does that mean for your heart health? In general, a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 bpm is considered normal for adults, but this can vary depending on your age and overall health.
A heart rate of 66 bpm falls within the normal range for most people. However, your doctor may want to monitor your heart health more closely if you have a history of heart disease or other cardiovascular health issues. Additionally, if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 bpm, your doctor may want to investigate what is causing your high heart rate.
Why Does Resting Heart Rate Matter?
As previously mentioned, your resting heart rate is a good indicator of your cardiovascular health. A healthy heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood through your body, so a lower resting heart rate often indicates better heart health.
In addition to being a good indicator of heart health, monitoring your resting heart rate can also be a helpful tool for tracking your fitness goals. As you become more physically fit, your resting heart rate may gradually decrease. By monitoring your resting heart rate over time, you can track your cardiovascular fitness progress.
Lowering Your Resting Heart Rate
If your resting heart rate is consistently higher than what is considered normal for your age and overall health, there are steps you can take to lower it. Some strategies that may be helpful include:
- Increasing physical activity
- Reducing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Avoiding tobacco products
It’s important to note that some people may naturally have a higher resting heart rate, and not all strategies for lowering heart rate will be effective for everyone. If you’re having difficulty lowering your resting heart rate, talk to your doctor for personalized recommendations.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In general, a resting heart rate of 66 bpm is not a cause for concern. However, there are certain situations where you should seek medical attention if you notice that your heart rate is consistently high or erratic. These situations may include:
- Experiencing chest pain or discomfort
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Experiencing shortness of breath
- Noticing an irregular heart rate or rhythm
- Experiencing fatigue or weakness
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention.
The Bottom Line
A resting heart rate of 66 bpm falls within the normal range for most people, but what’s considered a healthy resting heart rate can vary depending on your age and overall health. If you’re concerned about your heart health, or if you have a history of heart disease or other cardiovascular health issues, talk to your doctor about monitoring your heart rate and any additional steps you can take to improve your heart health.
FAQs
What is a normal resting heart rate?
A resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered normal for most adults.
What are some factors that can affect your resting heart rate?
Factors that can affect your resting heart rate include age, fitness level, and medications you may be taking.
Is a resting heart rate of 66 bpm good?
A resting heart rate of 66 bpm is within the normal range for most people, but what’s considered a healthy resting heart rate can vary depending on your age and overall health.
What are some strategies for lowering your resting heart rate?
Strategies for lowering your resting heart rate may include increasing physical activity, reducing stress through techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco products.
When should you seek medical attention for your heart rate?
If you experience symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, lightheadedness or dizziness, shortness of breath, an irregular heart rate or rhythm, or fatigue or weakness, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention.
Can a high heart rate be dangerous?
In some cases, a high heart rate can be a sign of an underlying health condition or may increase your risk of developing certain health issues such as heart disease. However, a high heart rate does not necessarily mean you have a health problem, and your doctor will be able to provide personalized recommendations for monitoring and managing your heart rate.
Are there any medications that can affect your heart rate?
Yes, some medications can affect your heart rate. These may include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digitalis medications. If you’re concerned about how a medication may be affecting your heart rate, talk to your doctor.
Can stress or anxiety affect your heart rate?
Yes, stress and anxiety can increase your heart rate. If you’re experiencing persistent stress or anxiety, talk to your doctor about strategies for managing these symptoms.
What is a healthy heart rate range for different age groups?
| Age Group | Healthy Heart Rate Range (Resting) |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | 100-160 bpm |
| 1-3 years | 70-110 bpm |
| 3-5 years | 65-110 bpm |
| 6-12 years | 65-110 bpm |
| 12-18 years | 60-105 bpm |
| 18-25 years | 55-95 bpm |
| Over 25 years | 60-100 bpm |
References:
- “Heart Rate,” American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/heart-rate-faq
- “Resting Heart Rate Chart: What Is a Good Heart Rate?” Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/resting-heart-rate-chart
- “Resting Heart Rate,” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/heart-rate