The heart is an organ found in the thorax towards the left.  It pumps blood to all parts of the body.  Blood is received by chambers of the heart called atria. The chambers toward the back of the heart (ventricles) in turn pump the blood out through arteries to supply the entire body.

Heart rate refers to the number of heart beats per minute.  Heart rate is determined by the amount of contractions that the ventricles make.  It may be too fast or too slow.  Heart rate is estimated by taking the pulse at the wrist.  The pulse is really a bulge in the vein that is caused by the blood running through it.

For adults, a normal resting heart rate is usually 60 to 100 beats per minute.  This rate is enough to supply blood containing oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues in the body.  A lower heart rate during rest periods is an indication that the heart is functioning properly and a cardiovascular fitness is good.  For younger individuals, a higher heart rate is normal.  An infant may have a normal heart rate of 160 beats per minute and children may have 12 beats per minute.  It has also been found that females have a slightly higher heart rate than their male counterparts.  The same applies to people who have bigger bodies.

Many factors, both environmental and genetic, cause changes to heart rate.  Some of these factors are:

1. Activity level – an athlete may have a normal resting heart rate of 40 to 60 beats per minute.
2. Fitness level
3. Air temperature
4. The position of the body – whether a person is standing of lying down.
5. Emotions like stress and anxiety
6. The size of the body
7. Use of medication
8. Illnesses such as anemia, diabetes, eating disorders and fever will result in higher –than-normal heart rate.
9. Stimulants such as nicotine found in tobacco, caffeine found in many sodas, dietary pills and over the counter cold medicines increases the heart rate.

Most causes of an increase in the heart rate while resting are reversible and can be treated once the root of that cause is identified and dealt with.  There is a wide range of normal heart rate.  However, an unusually high or low heart rate suggests that a problem exists, therefore, if you notice that your heart rate has increased or has gotten lower, you should seek medical attention.

Check your Pulse

• To test your heart rate by yourself, check your pulse by placing two fingers on the thumb side of your wrist.  When you feel your pulse, check your watch and count the number of beats in 15 seconds.
• Another way to do this is by placing your index finger and third finger on the side of your neck where your windpipe is located.  Do the same counting and check your watch to determine your heart rate.