What is the heart rate or pulse?

The heart rate is the number of times the heart beats every minute. The average normal heart rate is 72 beats per minute, though this number depends on factors such as age, weight, fitness level and personal health.

The heart rate can be measured by placing two fingers on the wrist or neck and counting the number of beats in 60 seconds.

Athletes have lower resting heart rates. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, meaning the heart does not need to work as hard to pump blood around the body. Children tend to have higher resting heart rates of between 70 and 100 beats per minute.