A person’s heart rate can say a lot about them. Heart rate can indicate if you’re physically active, under a lot of stress, or are suffering from an illness.
At Saenz Pharmacy, your McAllen pharmacists will share what your heart rate can tell you about your health and what could be causing abnormalities in that rate.
What To Know About Your Resting Heart Rate
When resting, your body does not need as much oxygen, so the heart is pumping less blood. This is what is known as your resting heart rate (RHR). According to Harvard Health, healthy men and women should have a resting heart rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Those with an RHR below 60 are likely very active and physically fit, therefore their heart functions more efficiently. If your RHR is above 100, it may be due to high amounts of stress, an excessive intake of caffeine, or a possible illness.
It is recommended that you see your doctor if your RHR is below 50 or above 100 without being explained by obvious factors, such as a rigorous exercise program.
What To Know About Your Maximum Heart Rate
Your maximum heart rate is when your heart is working the hardest to meet your body’s need for oxygen. This is the highest pulse your body will have.
If you want to roughly know what a healthy maximum heart rate is for yourself, subtract your current age from the number 220. As always, it is best to consult your doctor, as numbers differ in every individual.
What Could Cause Your Heart Rate To Be Off?
1.You Are Dealing With A Great Amount Of Stress
Large amounts of stress can raise your blood pressure and cause your heart to beat at a faster rate. If this becomes a chronic issue, your heart will be in a constant state of high alert, putting you at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
2.You May Have Diabetes
Although studies are ongoing, a high heart rate and diabetes are linked, but the exact relation is still uncertain. What we do know is that those who have diabetes are less active than they should be, putting a bigger strain on their heart.
3.Your Heart’s Electrical System Has A Short
Did you know that your heart has its own electrical system? It consists of a network of signals that make sure the heart is beating as it should. Those that have this issue often have a slower heartbeat, causing them to feel dizzy and lightheaded. The good news is that your doctor should be able to find the point of malfunction with a routine EKG.
4.You’re Not Physically Active
Your heart is a muscle, and muscles need to be exercised regularly to perform at their best. Those who are not physically active put a lot of strain on the heart, causing it to beat at a higher rate.
5.You’re Not Taking In Enough Water or Too Much
Your body chemistry is made up of a ratio of water to electrolytes. When you take in too little or too much water, it throws off that ratio and can result in abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. These rhythms often result in a higher heart rate.
6.Your Medication Is Off
The medication you are taking could be resetting your heart to a new normal rate. Certain medications, like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, have been known to lower your heart rate. Caffeine, on the other hand, can raise your heart rate quickly. This is found in many headache medications, coffee, tea, and chocolate.
If you’re concerned about the effect your medication is having on your heart rate, give your local pharmacist a call.
Get Your Heart Beating At The Perfect Rate With The Help Of Your McAllen Pharmacists!
The human heart rate can tell you a lot about your health, and that is why it is so important to listen to your body.
If you have any questions about your medication and how it is affecting your heart rate, stop by Saenz Pharmacy. Our friendly pharmacists will be happy to walk you through your medication and answer any questions or concerns you may have.