Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time, typically expressed as beats per minute (bpm).

Heart rate can vary as the body's need to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide changes, such as during exercise or sleep.

Heart rate is measured by finding the pulse of the body. This pulse rate can be measured at any point on the body where the artery's pulsation is transmitted to the surface by pressuring it with the index and middle fingers; often it is compressed against an underlying structure like bone. The thumb should not be used for measuring another person's heart rate, as its strong pulse may interfere with correct perception of the target pulse.[1] Possible points for measuring the heart rate are: 1. The ventral aspect of the wrist on the side of the thumb (radial artery). 2. The ulnar artery. 3. The neck (carotid artery). 4. The inside of the elbow, or under the biceps muscle (brachial artery). 5. The groin (femoral artery). 6. Behind the medial malleolus on the feet (posterior tibial artery). 7. Middle of dorsum of the foot (dorsalis pedis). 8. Behind the knee (popliteal artery). 9. Over the abdomen (abdominal aorta). 10. The chest (apex of heart), which can be felt with one's hand or fingers. However, it is possible to auscultate the heart using a stethoscope. 11. The temple (superficial temporal artery). 12. The lateral edge of the mandible (facial artery). 13. The side of the head near the ear (basilar artery)
The resting heart rate (HRrest) is a person's heart rate when they are at rest, that is lying down but awake, and not having recently exerted themselves. The typical resting heart rate in adults is 60-90 beats per minute (bpm).[2] The maximum heart rate (HRmax) is the highest heart rate an individual can safely achieve through exercise stress, and depends on age. The most accurate way of measuring HRmax is via a cardiac stress test. The Target Heart Rate or Training Heart Rate (THR) is a desired range of heart rate reached during aerobic exercise which enables one's heart and lungs to receive the most benefit from a workout. Tachycardia is a resting heart rate more than 100 beats per minute. This number can vary as smaller people and children have faster heart rates than average adults. Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute although it is seldom symptomatic until below 50 bpm when a human is at total rest.

Men Age: Athlete Excellent Good Above Average Average Below Average Poor Women Age: Athlete Excellent Good Above Average Average Below Average Poor

18-25 49-55 56-61 62-65 66-69 70-73 74-81 82+

26-35 49-54 55-61 62-65 66-70 71-74 75-81 82+

36-45 50-56 57-62 63-66 67-70 71-75 76-82 83+

46-55 50-57 58-63 64-67 68-71 72-76 77-83 84+

56-65 51-56 57-61 62-67 68-71 72-75 76-81 82+

65+ 50-55 56-61 62-65 66-69 70-73 74-79 80+

18-25 54-60 61-65 66-69 70-73 74-78 79-84 85+

24-35 54-59 60-64 65-68 69-72 73-76 77-82 83+

36-45 54-59 60-64 65-69 70-73 74-78 79-84 85+

46-55 54-60 61-65 66-69 70-73 74-77 78-83 84+

56-65 54-59 60-64 65-68 69-73 74-77 78-83 84+

65+ 54-59 60-64 65-68 69-72 73-76 77-84 84+

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_rate