What defines a regular heart rate?

A regular heart rate is defined as one that falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. This range is considered normal for resting adults and indicates that the heart is functioning effectively without undue stress or abnormality. When the heart rate is within this range, it typically signifies that the cardiovascular system is healthy and efficiently circulating blood throughout the body.

Rates below 60 beats per minute may indicate bradycardia, which can be normal for some individuals, such as athletes, but may also signal underlying health issues in others. Rates above 100 beats per minute may indicate tachycardia, which can be a response to various factors, including physiological stress or medical conditions. A highly variable heart rate could suggest arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities that require medical evaluation. Thus, the correct identification of a regular heart rate as being between 60 and 100 beats per minute helps in assessing overall heart health.