Resting heart rate
Heartbeats per minute while your body is at rest, a basic vital sign
Also known as
Definition
Resting heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute after you have rested for at least ten minutes. Together with breathing rate, blood pressure and body temperature, it is one of the vital signs. What is normal depends on age, sex, weight, fitness level and overall health, among other things. The change compared with your usual value matters as well. Many wearables estimate resting heart rate continuously, often during sleep.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | beats per minute (bpm) |
| Reference Range | For adults at rest, MedlinePlus lists 60–100 beats per minute, and 40–60 for well-trained athletes. Values are higher in children. Your doctor is the right person to interpret your values. |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
↓ What a low value means
A resting heart rate below the normal range is called bradycardia. According to MedlinePlus, values of 40–60 beats per minute are normal in well-trained endurance athletes. If your values stay below 60 without that background, or you notice an irregular pulse, discuss it with your doctor.
↑ What a high value means
A resting heart rate that stays above 100 beats per minute is called tachycardia and can point to a health problem. A fast pulse can be related to an infection or dehydration, for example. In a meta-analysis of observational studies, a higher resting heart rate in the general population was associated with higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality; this is a statistical association, not proof of a cause. Discuss persistently raised values with your doctor.
When to test
Measure your resting heart rate only after at least ten minutes of rest: count the beats for a full minute, or for 30 seconds and double it, for example at the wrist. Check the neck pulse only while sitting or lying down and never on both sides at once. Values are comparable under the same conditions, such as in the morning or during sleep. Wearable values are estimates and do not replace a medical examination.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal resting heart rate? +
For adults, MedlinePlus lists 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest, and 40 to 60 for well-trained athletes. Age, sex, weight, fitness level and health affect the value.
How do I measure my resting heart rate correctly? +
Rest for at least ten minutes. Place your index and middle fingers on the inside of your wrist, below the base of the thumb, and count the beats for one minute, or for 30 seconds and double the number.
What does research say about a higher resting heart rate? +
A meta-analysis of 46 studies found that each additional 10 beats per minute was linked to a relative risk of all-cause mortality about 9 percent higher. These are observational data with marked differences between studies; a single reading says little about your personal risk.
When should I talk to a doctor about my resting heart rate? +
If it stays above 100 beats per minute, or below 60 without endurance training, if it is irregular, or if it differs clearly from your usual value. Your doctor can put it into context.
Resting heart rate
Sources
Last updated: October 05, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.