All tests › Measurements
Heart rate
Typical UK adult range50 to 100 bpm
What this test measures
Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute, usually taken at rest from the pulse or a monitor.
Why doctors request it
Recorded at most clinical contacts and by fitness devices, and looked at with blood pressure and temperature.
What commonly pushes it up
- Anxiety, pain, fever, caffeine, exercise shortly before
- Anaemia, dehydration and infection
- An over-active thyroid
- Some medicines as a class, for example inhalers
What commonly pushes it down
- Regular endurance training
- Some heart medicines as a class, for example beta-blockers
- An under-active thyroid
- Sleep
Everyday reasons for a value outside the range
- Fit people often sit below 50 at rest
- It rises with fever by about 10 beats per degree
About the sample
Seated and rested.
Got a report with Heart rate on it?
Upload a photo or PDF and see every line against the range your lab printed, explained in plain English. First report free.
Read my report freeThis is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.