Your heart rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), is a vital sign that indicates how many times your heart beats in one minute. It's a key indicator of your overall cardiovascular health and fitness level.
Calculating your heart rate per minute is straightforward. You need to count the total number of heartbeats you feel or observe over a specific period and then convert that count to a per-minute rate.
How to Measure Your Heart Rate:
Find your pulse: The easiest places to find your pulse are your wrist (radial artery) or your neck (carotid artery).
Start timing: Use a stopwatch or timer.
Count beats: Count each pulse you feel as one beat.
Measure for a set time: For accuracy, it's often recommended to count for 15, 20, or 30 seconds and then multiply to find the rate per minute. For example, if you count 20 beats in 15 seconds, your heart rate per minute would be 20 beats * 4 = 80 bpm.
This calculator simplifies that process. By entering the total number of heartbeats you counted and the duration in seconds, it will accurately provide your heart rate per minute.
Interpreting Your Heart Rate:
Normal resting heart rate for adults typically falls between 60 and 100 bpm. However, this can vary based on factors like age, fitness level, medications, and stress. Athletes often have lower resting heart rates. During exercise, your heart rate will increase significantly.