How Does Your Heart Work?
Before we move on to heart rate, we need to talk a little bit about how our heart works. In a normal heart, the electrical impulse starts in the right atrium of the heart. It causes the atria to contract. The electrical impulse then travels to the AV node, located between the atria and ventricles. Here it is slowly transmitted and begins to spread to the ventricles. This causes the ventricles to contract and pump blood into the lungs and systemic circulation. This process is repeated on average 100,000 times a day.
A person’s normal heart rate can vary depending on many factors, but should generally be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. In athletes and very active people, this range may be lower, because regular exercise can lower the heart rate.
What should the pulse rate be? What should the heart rate be?
Heart rate is also known as pulse rate. So what should the pulse rate be? The heart or pulse rate does not and should not remain constant at a certain value. It should increase when needed and decrease during sleep or rest. Although the general says that the heart rate or pulse rate should be between 60 and 100, it can fall to lower values during sleep or increase when we run, for example. This is called heart rate variability and is a good thing. The important thing is whether heart rate variability causes you any complaints. Imagine that your heart does not speed up when you walk. Your walking capacity may be significantly reduced. Or that your pulse rate is 90 in your sleep. Even if it is within the “normal” range, this can cause you symptoms.
I have tried to explain the details in the video below on how the heart works. I hope it will be useful.
Reference: Heart Rate
Update: Feb 13, 2024
