What is the normal range for adult resting heart rate?

The normal resting heart rate for adults typically falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. This range is considered standard for evaluating cardiovascular health in a resting state. A heart rate within this range indicates that the heart is functioning properly and supplying an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's needs while at rest.

When the heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute, it may indicate bradycardia, which can be a sign of a health issue but can also be normal for some athletes who have conditioned hearts. Conversely, a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute can indicate tachycardia, which may suggest stress, anxiety, or various medical conditions. The range of 60 to 100 beats per minute is widely accepted in clinical practice and forms the baseline for evaluating heart rate in various scenarios, such as during medical assessments or physical examinations.