What is the normal range for adult heart rate?

The normal range for an adult heart rate is generally considered to be between 60 to 100 beats per minute. This range reflects the heart rate at rest in a healthy adult, indicating good cardiovascular function. A heart rate within this range suggests that the heart is efficiently pumping blood throughout the body to meet the metabolic needs of tissues at rest. Factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health can influence individual heart rates; however, 60 to 100 beats per minute is widely accepted as the standard normal range for adults.

The other ranges provided do not reflect normal adult physiology. A resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute might be more typical for well-trained athletes but can also indicate bradycardia, which may be a cause for concern if accompanied by symptoms. Higher ranges, such as 100 to 120 or 80 to 140 beats per minute, suggest tachycardia, which can indicate stress, illness, or other health issues and typically falls outside the normal resting heart rate for adults.