Does your heart race when you are stressed? Are the palpitations quite palpable, causing worry?
Variations in your heart rate is an indicator of your general health and there are several myths associated with it.
In this article, learn more about the common myths and the real facts about heart rate.
What Is Heart Rate:
Heart rate is number of times your heart pulses per minute. It varies on a variety of factors including activity, fitness, emotions, weight, stress and even medications.
Resting Heart Rate:
The number of heart beats per minute sleeping falls within the range of 60 to 100 beats per minute but it goes up while exercising, walking or during any other physical activity as the heart pumps more amount of oxygen rich blood to keep up with the activity.
The simple formula to know your maximum heart rate, especially during an intense workout is 220 minus your age. The total number is your maximum heart rate.
Myth:
A resting heart rate around 90 beats per minute is a cause for concern
Fact:
Do not worry, as it means nothing. Your heart can be healthy even with this resting heart rate. People who do regular workouts usually have a resting heart rate of less than 60. A much higher or lower heart rate is a cause of concern only if the individual is suffering from issues like sudden giddiness, fainting and slowdown in daily activities due to immense fatigue.
Myth:
An erratic heart rate indicates impending heart attack.
Fact:
An erratic heart rate is not sign of heart attack as there it can be triggered by many factors. In fact, doctors assure that it is the common arrhythmia, that happens when unstable electrical impulses misfire making atria quiver out of control. However, if an ECG shows erratic heart rate, talk to your doctor immediately.
Myth:
Normal heart rate means normal blood pressure.
Fact:
This is not true. A person with normal heart rate can still have high blood pressure. Similarly, a person with abnormal heart rate can have normal blood pressure.
Myth:
Faster heart rate is an indication of stress.
Fact:
Your heart rate can rise depending on several factors, not just stress. It may also increase when you exercise, get excited, feeling anxious and worried. The heart rate goes up for almost 20 seconds the moment you stand up, it can also be influenced under hot, humid weather. Thyroid patients under medication often experience increased heart rate.
Myth:
Slow heart rate means, weak heart.
Fact:
There is no truth behind this. In fact, a slow heart rate is an indicator of good fitness levels. Do you know athletes often have a slower heart rate as their heart muscle are in better shape, so the organ doesn’t have to work hard to keep up the steady beat?
Of course, a slower rate coupled with dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath is a cause of worry and time to see the doctor immediately.
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