Normal Heart Rate for Women

The number of times your heart contracts in a minute, when you are resting is known as normal heart rate (HR) or resting heart rate (RHR). It is expressed in beats per minute (bpm). Men and women can measure their heart rates by calculating the pulse for 15 seconds and then multiplying the figure by four. This will give them the normal heart rate per minute. Doctors also check beating of the heart per minute whenever you visit a clinic. Measurement of heart rate helps evaluate heart health and overall health of an individual.

RHR for Women

Women can calculate normal pulse rate as explained above. The pulse rate can be counted by pressing your fingers on the inner side of the wrist. Normal heart rate for women and men (or for a healthy adult) can be anywhere between 60-100 bpm. Children above 12, and adults have the same resting heart rate range. Heart rate changes according to the age, gender, anxiety, lifestyle, overall health, weight and physical activity. A healthy heart beats slowly as it can pump the required quantity of blood to the body, with minimum efforts. On the contrary, if a heart has to beat faster (work harder) to pump the required quantity of blood, it indicates impaired heart health. Sports persons and athletes who undergo endurance (intense) training, have a perfectly toned body. They exhibit an amazingly low resting heart rate of about 40 - 60 bpm because their hearts and lungs are perfectly healthy. Thus, an athlete woman will have heart rate between 40 - 60 bpm.

Heart Rate Chart for Women

Age	RHR for Athletes	Excellent	Good	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
18-25	54-60	61-65	66-69	70-73	74-78	79-84	85+
26-35	54-59	60-64	65-68	69-72	73-76	77-82	83+
36-45	54-59	60-64	65-69	70-73	74-78	79-84	85+
46-55	54-60	61-65	66-69	70-73	74-77	78-83	84+
56-65	54-59	60-64	65-68	69-73	74-77	78-83	84+
65+	54-59	60-64	65-68	69-72	73-76	77-84	84+

A younger woman usually exhibits a higher RHR and she can work with comparatively higher heart rate during exercise. RHR for women over 60 can be lower than the RHR for women in their twenties. Health problems and the level of physical activity can change these rates. Normal RHR for women who are heavier will be higher than a lighter woman. It will be higher during exercise as well. An overweight woman may have significantly high heart rate while at rest.

Healthy Heart Rate for Women during Exercise

A woman should find out the possible Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) during exercise with the help of the following age adjusted formula.

MHR during exercise for women = 226 - age.

Healthy target heart rate zone = 50-85 % of your MHR

Those who are used to exercise can work with 55-85% of MHR during exercise. Beginners should start with 50% of MHR and then should gradually increase the intensity of the exercise. This will help avoid pressure on heart. Working in healthy heart zone can help you reap health benefits of the exercise. Those diagnosed with illnesses and those on medicines should consult their physician about the heart rate during exercise.

The normal heart rate varies significantly according to the fitness level. RHR for women is helpful in assessing the health, especially heart health. Regular exercise and balanced diet help improve the health of the heart.