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

• A. 50-90 beats per minute
• B. 70-110 beats per minute
• C. 60-100 beats per minute
• D. 40-80 beats per minute

Answer: (C)

Resting heart rate reflects the baseline level of cardiac activity when the body is at rest. For adults, the normal range is about 60 to 100 beats per minute. Rates within this window indicate appropriate cardiac output at rest. A heart rate below 60 can be normal in well-trained individuals but is considered bradycardia if accompanied by symptoms or underlying issues. A rate above 100 is tachycardia and may signal fever, dehydration, infection, anxiety, stimulant use, or cardiac problems. Measure after several minutes of quiet rest, counting for a full minute. Individual variation exists, with athletes often having lower resting rates and medications like beta-blockers reducing heart rate.