What is the normal range for an adult resting heart rate?

The normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (BPM). This range is well-established by health organizations and reflects the body's ability to maintain sufficient blood flow and oxygen delivery at rest. A heart rate within this range indicates a generally healthy cardiovascular system.

Factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health can influence an individual's resting heart rate. Athletes, for instance, often have heart rates lower than 60 BPM due to their specialized cardiovascular conditioning. However, for the general adult population, the range of 60 to 100 BPM is widely accepted as normal. This variation allows for individual differences while still setting a standard for what is considered healthy.

Understanding this normal range is crucial for recognizing potential health issues, as significant deviations above or below may require medical evaluation.