MONITORING YOUR HEART RATE
Heart rate, also known as a pulse, is the number of times a heart beats per minute. It varies between people, but a normal range for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A normal heart rate depends on the individual, age, body size, heart conditions, whether the person is sitting or moving, medication use and even air temperature. Emotions can affect heart rate: getting excited or scared can increase it. Getting fitter lowers the heart rate by making heart muscles work more efficiently. An athlete may have a resting rate of 40 to 60 beats per minute. Knowledge about your heart rate can help you monitor your fitness level, and it may help you spot developing health problems.