How many beats per minute is normal?

A normal resting heart rate for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute, says Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. People who have lower resting heart rates usually have excellent physical, heart and cardiovascular health.

Many factors may affect the heart rate, including activity, air temperature, body size and fitness, emotional state, and medication. To calculate heart rate, check the pulse at the wrist or neck. Count the amount of beats in 15 seconds, and multiply that number by four to determine the resting heart rate. If a person has an extremely low or high heart rate, Dr. Laskowski recommends consultation with a physician because these may be signs of illness.