Myth 6: We have a predetermined number of heart beats in our lifetime. You may burn more calories when exercising at higher intensities, but the percentage of calories coming from fat is slightly lower. However, the fat burning zone does not necessarily mean you’re burning a maximum of calories. Myth 5: You burn more fat at a higher heart rate.įact: From an exercise physiology point of view, the fat burning zone occurs at 45-60 per cent of the maximum heart rate. Certain medical conditions may cause the heart to beat fast without any stressors. However, a fast pulse does not always mean that you are stressed out. Myth 4: A fast pulse means you are stressed out.įact: When a person is stressed out, the body may release chemical substances that cause the heart to beat faster. Conversely, someone with an abnormal heart rate can have normal blood pressure. A person can have a normal heart rate and still have Myth 3: A normal heart rate means the blood pressure is normal.įact: A normal heart rate does not mean the blood pressure is normal. It is only considered a medical emergency if you notice a sudden change in heartbeat that is accompanied by: An erratic heart rate may accompany a heart attack but it can also arise on its own, because of other factors. Myth 2: An erratic or irregular heart rate is a sign of impending heart attack.įact: An erratic or irregular heart rate is not a sign of a However, for athletes or people that exercise regularly, it is possible to have a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute.Ī low resting heart rate is only of concern if there are concomitant symptoms such as unprovoked fainting, giddiness and a reduced level of activity. In general, a slow heart rate is defined as a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. With the help of Dr Ho, we debunk some common heart rate myths: Myth 1: A resting heart rate of 50-90 beats per minute is a cause for worry.įact: Such a resting heart rate does not mean that there is something wrong with you, or that your heart is weak. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to get the number of heart beats in a minute. To take your pulse at your wrist, place two fingers on the artery on the inside of your wrist, just below the thumb. You can find out what your heart rate is by taking your pulse. 50-75 per cent of the maximum heart rate. In some people, doctors recommend a lower range, e.g. National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), a member of the “Exercising at 60-80 per cent of the maximum heart rate gives the most cardiovascular benefits and is termed the “target heart rate zone”,” saysĬlinical Associate Professor Tan Swee Yaw, Senior Consultant,ĭepartment of Cardiology and Director, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Preventative Cardiology, Heart Rate Maximum (HRmax) = (220 - your age) beats per minute Maximum heart rate can be estimated using a simple formula:

It reaches its maximum level during intense exercise – this is known as your maximum heart rate. Your heart rate goes up when you exercise because your heart needs to pump more oxygen-rich blood to cope with the physical activity. “ At rest, a healthy heart rate falls in the range of 60-90 heart beats per minute,” sharesĬlinical Assistant Professor Ho Kah Leng, Senior Consultant,ĭepartment of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), a member of the Activity level, fitness level, body size, emotions and even medications can influence the rate at which your heart beats. Your heart rate is the number of times your heart pulses per minute. However, few know about their heart rate or what its variations indicate about their general health. Your heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in a minute, is an important indicator of your heart health.

Pulse per minute average