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Normal heart rate for 6 week old baby. Normal Heart Rate for Babies and Children: A Comprehensive Guide

What is the normal heart rate for babies and children. How does heart rate vary with age. What factors influence heart rate in young people. When should parents be concerned about their child’s heart rate.

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Understanding Heart Rate in Infants and Children

Heart rate, also known as pulse, is a crucial vital sign that provides important information about a person’s health. For parents and caregivers, understanding what constitutes a normal heart rate for babies and children is essential for monitoring their well-being. This comprehensive guide will explore the intricacies of heart rates in young people, from newborns to adolescents.

Normal Heart Rate Ranges by Age

The normal heart rate for children varies significantly depending on their age. As children grow and develop, their heart rate typically decreases. Here are the general ranges for normal resting heart rates in different age groups:

  • Newborns (0 to 1 month): 70 to 190 beats per minute
  • Infants (1 to 11 months): 80 to 160 beats per minute
  • Toddlers (1 to 2 years): 80 to 130 beats per minute
  • Preschoolers (3 to 4 years): 80 to 120 beats per minute
  • School-age children (5 to 6 years): 75 to 115 beats per minute
  • Older children (7 to 9 years): 70 to 110 beats per minute
  • Preadolescents and adolescents (10 years and older): 60 to 100 beats per minute

It’s important to note that these ranges represent resting heart rates. During physical activity or emotional stress, heart rates can increase significantly.

Factors Influencing Heart Rate in Children

Several factors can affect a child’s heart rate:

  1. Age: As mentioned earlier, heart rate generally decreases as children grow older.
  2. Physical activity: Exercise and play naturally increase heart rate.
  3. Emotions: Excitement, fear, or anxiety can cause temporary increases in heart rate.
  4. Body temperature: Fever can lead to an elevated heart rate.
  5. Body position: Standing up can cause a slight increase in heart rate compared to lying down.
  6. Medications: Some medicines can affect heart rate.
  7. Hydration levels: Dehydration can cause an increase in heart rate.

Measuring Heart Rate in Children

Knowing how to measure a child’s heart rate accurately is a valuable skill for parents and caregivers. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Ensure the child is calm and has been resting for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Find the pulse on the wrist or neck. For the wrist, place two fingers on the inner wrist, just below the base of the thumb. For the neck, place two fingers on the side of the windpipe.
  3. Count the number of beats for 30 seconds and multiply by two, or count for a full minute for greater accuracy.
  4. Record the number of beats per minute.

For infants, it may be easier to feel the pulse on the inside of the upper arm or at the groin area.

When to Be Concerned About a Child’s Heart Rate

While variations in heart rate are normal, there are instances when parents should seek medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

  • The child’s resting heart rate consistently falls outside the normal range for their age.
  • The heart rate is irregular or skips beats.
  • The child experiences chest pain, dizziness, or fainting along with an abnormal heart rate.
  • There are sudden, unexplained changes in the child’s typical heart rate.

Persistent tachycardia (fast heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate) may indicate underlying health issues and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Heart Rate During Exercise and Physical Activity

During exercise, a child’s heart rate naturally increases to meet the body’s increased demand for oxygen. The maximum heart rate during exercise can be estimated using the formula: 220 minus the child’s age. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate and can vary among individuals.

For children engaging in sports or regular physical activity, monitoring heart rate can help ensure they’re exercising at an appropriate intensity. Generally, a target heart rate during moderate exercise should be about 50-70% of the maximum heart rate, while vigorous exercise may reach 70-85% of the maximum.

Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Heart Health

Regular exercise offers numerous benefits for children’s cardiovascular health:

  • Strengthens the heart muscle
  • Improves circulation
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduces the risk of developing heart disease later in life
  • Enhances overall fitness and endurance

Encouraging children to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily can contribute significantly to their heart health and overall well-being.

Heart Rate Variability in Children

Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the variation in time between successive heartbeats. In recent years, HRV has gained attention as a potential indicator of overall health and stress levels. In children, higher HRV is generally associated with better cardiovascular health and emotional regulation.

Factors that can influence HRV in children include:

  • Age: HRV tends to increase as children grow older
  • Physical fitness: Regular exercise can improve HRV
  • Stress levels: Chronic stress may lead to reduced HRV
  • Sleep quality: Poor sleep can negatively impact HRV
  • Diet: A balanced, nutritious diet may contribute to better HRV

While HRV measurement is not typically part of routine pediatric check-ups, it’s an area of growing interest in pediatric cardiology research.

Technological Advancements in Heart Rate Monitoring

The advent of wearable technology has made it easier for parents and healthcare providers to monitor children’s heart rates. Devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and specialized pediatric heart monitors can provide continuous heart rate data, offering insights into a child’s cardiovascular health both at rest and during activity.

Benefits of Wearable Heart Rate Monitors for Children

  • Continuous monitoring without manual pulse-taking
  • Real-time alerts for abnormal heart rates
  • Tracking of physical activity and sleep patterns
  • Data collection for long-term health trends
  • Potential early detection of heart rhythm abnormalities

However, it’s important to note that consumer-grade devices may not be as accurate as medical-grade equipment. Any concerns about a child’s heart rate should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Promoting Healthy Heart Habits in Children

Encouraging healthy habits from an early age can contribute to lifelong heart health. Here are some strategies to promote cardiovascular wellness in children:

  1. Encourage regular physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily.
  2. Provide a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  3. Limit screen time: Excessive sedentary behavior can negatively impact heart health.
  4. Ensure adequate sleep: Proper rest is crucial for overall health, including heart function.
  5. Teach stress management techniques: Simple relaxation exercises can help children manage stress effectively.
  6. Lead by example: Children often mimic their parents’ behaviors, so modeling a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential.

By implementing these strategies, parents and caregivers can help children develop habits that support a healthy heart rate and overall cardiovascular well-being.

The Role of Regular Check-ups in Monitoring Heart Health

Regular pediatric check-ups play a crucial role in monitoring a child’s heart health. During these visits, healthcare providers typically:

  • Measure and record the child’s heart rate
  • Listen to the heart for any abnormal sounds or rhythms
  • Assess overall growth and development
  • Discuss any concerns about the child’s health or activity levels

These routine examinations can help detect potential heart issues early, allowing for timely intervention if necessary. Parents should maintain a consistent schedule of well-child visits as recommended by their pediatrician.

When Additional Cardiac Evaluation May Be Necessary

In some cases, a pediatrician may recommend further cardiac evaluation. This could include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): To assess the electrical activity of the heart
  • Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to examine its structure and function
  • Holter monitor: A portable device that records heart activity over 24-48 hours
  • Exercise stress test: To evaluate heart function during physical activity

These tests may be suggested if there are concerns about heart rate abnormalities, family history of heart conditions, or other risk factors.

Understanding and monitoring heart rate in babies and children is an important aspect of their overall health care. While variations in heart rate are normal and often harmless, being aware of what’s typical for each age group can help parents and caregivers identify potential issues early. By promoting heart-healthy habits and maintaining regular medical check-ups, we can support the cardiovascular well-being of our children, setting the foundation for a healthy future.

Pulse

Medical Tests A-Z

Definition

The pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.

Alternative Names

Heart rate; Heart beat

How the Test is Performed

The pulse can be measured at areas where an artery passes close to the skin. These areas include the:

  • Back of the knees
  • Groin
  • Neck
  • Temple
  • Top or inner side of the foot
  • Wrist

To measure the pulse at the wrist, place the index and middle finger over the underside of the opposite wrist, below the base of the thumb. Press with flat fingers until you feel the pulse.

To measure the pulse on the neck, place the index and middle fingers just to the side of the Adam’s apple, in the soft, hollow area. Press gently until you locate the pulse.

adam.com”>Note: Sit or lie down before taking the neck pulse. The neck arteries in some people are sensitive to pressure. Fainting or slowing of the heartbeat can result. Also, do not take the pulses on both sides of the neck at the same time. Doing so can slow the flow of blood to the head and lead to fainting.

Once you find the pulse, count the beats for 1 full minute. Or, count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. This will give the beats per minute.

How to Prepare for the Test

To determine the resting heart rate, you must have been resting for at least 10 minutes. Take the exercise heart rate while you are exercising.

How the Test will Feel

There is a slight pressure from the fingers.

Why the Test is Performed

Measuring the pulse gives important information about your health. Any change from your normal heart rate can indicate a health problem. Fast pulse may signal an infection or dehydration. In emergency situations, the pulse rate can help determine if the person’s heart is pumping.

Pulse measurement has other uses as well. During or immediately after exercise, the pulse rate gives information about your fitness level and health.

Normal Results

For resting heart rate:

  • Newborns 0 to 1 month old: 70 to 190 beats per minute
  • Infants 1 to 11 months old: 80 to 160 beats per minute
  • Children 1 to 2 years old: 80 to 130 beats per minute
  • Children 3 to 4 years old: 80 to 120 beats per minute
  • Children 5 to 6 years old: 75 to 115 beats per minute
  • Children 7 to 9 years old: 70 to 110 beats per minute
  • Children 10 years and older, and adults (including seniors): 60 to 100 beats per minute
  • Well-trained athletes: 40 to 60 beats per minute

What Abnormal Results Mean

adam.com”>Resting heart rates that are continually high (tachycardia) may mean a problem. Talk to your health care provider about this. Also discuss resting heart rates that are below the normal values (bradycardia).

A pulse that is very firm (bounding pulse) and that lasts for more than a few minutes should be checked by your provider as well. An irregular pulse can also indicate a problem.

A pulse that is hard to locate may mean blockages in the artery. These blockages are common in people with diabetes or hardening of the artery from high cholesterol. Your provider may order a test known as a Doppler study to check the blockages.

References

Bernstein D. History and physical examination. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 422.

Simel DL. Approach to the patient: history and physical examination. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 7.

Review Date: 07/02/2019

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright ©2019 A.D.A.M., Inc., as modified by University of California San Francisco. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Health. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.

Normal Heart Rates for Children

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Your child’s heart rate (also called pulse) can vary wildly throughout the day. Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats each minute. Daily activities can change how fast or slow the rate fluctuates – from a slow, steady beat while resting or sleeping to a higher rate during exercise.

“There’s a wide variation in what a normal heart rate can be depending on the age of the child as well as the biological make-up of that individual child,” says Colin Kane, M.D., pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Health℠ and Director of the Cardiology Outreach Program. “Even kids who are the same age can have different resting heart rates.”

What is a healthy heart rate for a child?

When your child is sitting quietly, their heart rate is considered a resting heart rate. A healthy resting heart rate can vary by age.

  • Newborns 0 to 1 month old: 70 to 190 beats per minute
  • Infants 1 to 11 months old: 80 to 160 beats per minute
  • Children 1 to 2 years old: 80 to 130 beats per minute
  • Children 3 to 4 years old: 80 to 120 beats per minute
  • Children 5 to 6 years old: 75 to 115 beats per minute
  • Children 7 to 9 years old: 70 to 110 beats per minute
  • Children 10 years and older: 60 to 100 beats per minute

It’s likely that your child’s pulse stays within these healthy ranges, even if the pulse feels very fast. Understanding the variations in heart rates and how to properly check your child’s rate can help keep track and prevent unnecessary concern.

What can change a child’s heart rate?

Just as in adults, a child’s heart rate will vary depending on the activity level, whether asleep or awake, and whether your child is healthy or ill, calm or stressed.

“Your child’s heart rate is typically not linked to an intrinsic heart problem,” says Dr. Kane. “Their heart rate can go up with anything that makes them excited or uncomfortable. When this happens, it’s just a natural response to stress.”

A child might have a fast heart rate if they are:

  • Playing or exercising vigorously
  • Experiencing pain
  • Feeling anxious or stressed
  • Experiencing a fever or illness
  • Drinking a lot of caffeine or energy drinks
  • Dehydrated

If your child is experiencing any of the above, a fast heart rate is typically not a cause for concern, though drinking a lot of caffeine can cause problems in some children. Also, remember that your child’s heart naturally beats faster than an adult heart and can get much faster during exercise than an adult heart rate.

However, if your child is experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or trouble breathing along with a fast heart rate, they may need medical attention. Dr. Kane says a good rule of thumb is if your child’s heart is beating too fast for you to count the beats, then medical help may be needed.

A child typically experiences a slower heart rate when sleeping. However, if their heart rate is slow in the middle of the day and they show symptoms of lethargy or experience fainting, they may need medical help.

How can I check my child’s heart rate?

Measuring your child’s pulse is easy. There are several places on the body where you can check the pulse including the wrist, inside the elbow or the side of the neck. For most parents, the wrist is the easiest, most accessible place. To check your child’s heart rate, place two fingers on their wrist, below their thumb. Apply gentle pressure until you can feel a slight beat against your fingertips. Count how many beats you feel in 15 seconds. Then multiply that number by 4 to determine your child’s heart rate, which is measured in beats per minute.

For instance, if you feel 20 beats in 15 seconds, your child’s heart rate is 80 beats per minute, a normal rate.

However, you may not be able to easily find a pulse in infants or younger children who have smaller blood vessels. A medical professional with experience in caring for children will likely need to take their pulse.

“If you’re not familiar with taking a pulse, it may take a few tries until you become more comfortable and confident,” says Dr. Kane. “The best thing to do if you are concerned is to have a person with medical training check it for you.”

If your child has a heart condition requiring heart rate monitoring, your doctor can teach you how to find their pulse and take their heart rate. Some wearable devices and smartphones can also read the heart rate with good accuracy.

If you are worried about your child’s heart rate, Dr. Kane recommends you call your pediatrician. “There are very normal and benign conditions that can give your child an irregular heartbeat,” he says. “That’s why it’s best to be evaluated by a medical professional.”

What do I do if my child has a rapid heartbeat?

A rapid heartbeat in a child could be a cause for concern. If your child’s heartbeat is too fast, you should call your pediatrician. Share the pulse you counted with them, and they will let you know the best next steps.   

If your child’s heart is beating too fast for you to count the beats, that could be cause for concern. Learn how to check pulse and what a healthy heart rate is via @Childrens.

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The experts at the Heart Center at Children’s Health care for all children’s heart conditions, from congenital heart defects to heart disease. Find out how they can help keep your child’s heart healthy.

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