Normal Resting Heart Rate: What’s Healthy by Age and Gender

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Your heart works 24/7. However, how will you know if it’s beating at the right pace? Even when you’re barely moving a muscle, that quiet thump in your chest, known as your resting heart rate, tells a bigger story than you might think. Your normal pulse rate can vary depending on whether you’re 25 or 65, and regardless of gender and that’s totally normal.

This guide helps you understand how your resting heart rate can quietly reveal more than you think.

What Is Resting Heart Rate?

RHR, or resting heart rate, is simply the count of your heartbeats per minute when you’re not active or moving. It’s one of the simplest, yet most telling, indicators of your overall health. Think of it as your body’s background rhythm – quiet, steady and always on.

If you want to check your resting heart rate; this is the easiest way:

Place two fingers on your wrist or neck and count the beats for 60 seconds.
Or let your smartwatch or fitness tracker do the math for you – most of them track your RHR automatically now.

So, why should you care? Because your RHR gives you insight into your cardiovascular fitness, endurance and even potential early warning signs of illness.

If your pulse is within the healthy range, your heart is likely operating as it should. It’s also a great way to stay on top of your heart care routine and understand what a normal heart rate looks like for you.

Resting Heart Rate by Age Group

Our hearts don’t beat at the same pace throughout life — and that’s totally normal! Your resting heart rate changes with age, activity level, and even your body size. Below is a simple breakdown of what’s considered a normal pulse rate across different age groups.

Children & Teenagers – Normal Resting Heart Rate (bpm)

Infants (0–12 months): 100–160 bpm
- Babies have tiny hearts and fast metabolisms, so a quicker beat is normal.
Toddlers (1–3 years): 90–140 bpm
- Still on the higher side — their bodies are growing fast, and so is their energy.
Kids (6–11 years): 75–120 bpm
- Starting to slow down, but still higher than adults.
Teenagers (12–18 years): 60–100 bpm
- Almost at adult levels; healthy habits now can support long-term heart care.

Adults (19–65 years) – Resting Heart Rate Guide

Typical adult range:
- 60–100 bpm
- It falls in the healthy range.
Active/Fit adults:
- 60–80 bpm (sometimes as low as 50–60 bpm)
- Regular movement and exercise help lower resting heart rate — a great sign of heart strength.
Sedentary lifestyle:
- 80–100 bpm
- Still within “normal,” but may benefit from more movement to support heart care.

Older Adults – Resting Heart Rate Guide

Healthy seniors:
- 60–100 bpm
- Same general range, but the heart may take longer to respond to stress or activity.
With heart conditions:
- Often 70–100+ bpm
- Conditions such as arrhythmia or heart disease can affect the normal pulse rate.

Resting Heart Rate Differences by Gender

Here’s something many people don’t realise: men and women naturally have different resting heart rates. On average, women tend to have a slightly higher resting heart rate than men, and it mostly comes down to biology.

Women typically have smaller hearts, and their bodies need to pump a bit faster to circulate the same amount of blood. Add in hormonal factors like estrogen, and you’ve got a natural increase in resting beats per minute.

Generally speaking:

Men average around 60–70 bpm.
Women fall closer to 70–80 bpm.

And it doesn’t stop there — things like the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can cause your normal pulse rate to fluctuate even more. So if you’re tracking your normal heart rate and notice changes month to month, hormones might be playing a role.

What High or Low Resting Heart Rates Could Mean

Tachycardia (high RHR >100 bpm)

If your resting heart rate is consistently over 100 bpm, it could be a case of tachycardia. This might be triggered by stress, fever, anaemia or an overactive thyroid. Left unchecked, it could raise your risk of heart disease or even a stroke.

Bradycardia (low RHR <60 bpm)

On the flip side, if your heart rate drops below 60 bpm, and you’re not an athlete, it might be bradycardia. While low rates are normal in fit individuals, for others, it could point to issues like heart block. Signs to watch out for include shortness of breath, extreme fatigue or dizziness.

Conclusion

Your normal heart rate can quietly reflect your overall health. If your heart rate feels off, PlatinumRx is here with free online doctor consultations, dependable medications, and doorstep delivery to make managing your heart care simple and hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 72 to 80 a normal pulse rate?

Yes, a normal pulse rate of 72 to 80 bpm is perfectly healthy for most adults, especially when you’re at rest and feeling well.

What is a good pulse rate by age?

A normal heart rate varies by age — it’s higher in kids (around 75–120 bpm) and typically 60–100 bpm for adults, with 60–80 bpm being ideal for heart care.

Is a 180 heart rate bad?

If you’re working out hard, 180 bpm might be okay, but if you’re resting, that’s not a normal heart rate and should be checked by a doctor.

Why is my resting heart rate higher in the morning?

It’s often common for the normal heart rate to fluctuate slightly throughout the day. Morning spikes can be due to dehydration, stress, sleep quality, or even your sleep position.

How often should I check my resting heart rate?

Checking your normal heart rate once or twice a week is enough for most people. Consistent monitoring helps you stay tuned in to your heart health, especially if you have a medical condition or are starting a new fitness routine.

References:
https://asianheartinstitute.org/blog/normal-heart-rate-guide-men-women-all-ages/
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/target-heart-rates
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/heart-rate/faq-20057979
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17644-women-and-heart-rate
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/what-your-heart-rate-is-telling-you