Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 19 - Section 19.6 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 740: 2

Answer

A typical adult resting heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute while a person is at rest, such as when they're sitting or lying down and not engaged in any strenuous activity. The average resting heart rate for adults is generally considered to be between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). However, it's essential to recognize that individual variations exist, and factors such as fitness level, age, and overall health can influence resting heart rate. Changes in Resting Heart Rate Over the Lifespan: 1. **Infants and Children:** Newborns tend to have a higher resting heart rate, usually ranging from 100 to 160 bpm. As children grow, their resting heart rate gradually decreases. By the age of 10, the average resting heart rate might be around 70 to 100 bpm. 2. **Adolescents and Young Adults:** During adolescence and early adulthood, resting heart rate continues to decrease. It's not uncommon for young adults to have a resting heart rate in the lower end of the 60 to 100 bpm range. 3. **Adulthood:** As individuals progress through their adult years, their resting heart rate tends to stabilize. Factors such as fitness, lifestyle, and overall health can influence where a person's resting heart rate falls within the typical range. 4. **Elderly Individuals:** In older adults, resting heart rate might slightly increase compared to young adults. This is because the heart's pacemaker cells (sinoatrial node) that control heart rate can become less efficient over time. Resting heart rates in the range of 70 to 90 bpm might be more common in elderly individuals. It's important to note that regular physical activity, particularly cardiovascular exercise, can have a significant impact on resting heart rate. People who are physically fit and engage in regular exercise often have lower resting heart rates. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can influence heart rate, so individual variations can be substantial. If you're concerned about your resting heart rate or notice significant changes, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and personalized guidance.

Work Step by Step

A typical adult resting heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute while a person is at rest, such as when they're sitting or lying down and not engaged in any strenuous activity. The average resting heart rate for adults is generally considered to be between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). However, it's essential to recognize that individual variations exist, and factors such as fitness level, age, and overall health can influence resting heart rate. Changes in Resting Heart Rate Over the Lifespan: 1. **Infants and Children:** Newborns tend to have a higher resting heart rate, usually ranging from 100 to 160 bpm. As children grow, their resting heart rate gradually decreases. By the age of 10, the average resting heart rate might be around 70 to 100 bpm. 2. **Adolescents and Young Adults:** During adolescence and early adulthood, resting heart rate continues to decrease. It's not uncommon for young adults to have a resting heart rate in the lower end of the 60 to 100 bpm range. 3. **Adulthood:** As individuals progress through their adult years, their resting heart rate tends to stabilize. Factors such as fitness, lifestyle, and overall health can influence where a person's resting heart rate falls within the typical range. 4. **Elderly Individuals:** In older adults, resting heart rate might slightly increase compared to young adults. This is because the heart's pacemaker cells (sinoatrial node) that control heart rate can become less efficient over time. Resting heart rates in the range of 70 to 90 bpm might be more common in elderly individuals. It's important to note that regular physical activity, particularly cardiovascular exercise, can have a significant impact on resting heart rate. People who are physically fit and engage in regular exercise often have lower resting heart rates. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can influence heart rate, so individual variations can be substantial. If you're concerned about your resting heart rate or notice significant changes, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and personalized guidance.
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