Normal pulse rates
The pulse rate depends strongly on age and fitness. Many things can cause a short-term rise in pulse rate for example physical exertion or excitement. To get comparable values for normal pulse rates, you should always measure the resting pulse.
The normal pulse rates by age:
| Age |
Beats per minute |
| 0 years |
140 |
| 2 years |
120 |
| 4 years |
100 |
| 10 years |
90 |
| 14 years |
85 |
| Adults |
60 - 80 |
| Seniors |
80 - 85 |
- Women usually have slightly higher values than men.
- Athletes typically have noticeably lower pulse rates.
- Some medications can slow down or speed up the pulse. For example, beta-blockers often used for high blood pressure can cause a significant slowing.
- Substances like nicotine, alcohol and caffeine can temporarily raise the pulse rate.
- During infections the pulse is often somewhat elevated.
For information about how pulse and blood pressure are related, see "Blood pressure and pulse".
Sources:
This article is from Tensana – the leading app since 2011, helping hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 11/2024).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
