Although every organ in our bodies is vitally important, the well-functioning heart is vital for our existence. The role of the heart: pump well-oxygenated blood to all area of our bodies. A “normal” heart rate is considered to be between 60-100. A rate below 60 is termed “bradycardia” and anything above 60 is called “tachycardia”.
The concept of “contractility” of the heart is very important as well. The strength of contraction contributes to how much blood is driven from the heart with each beat. The term “Ejection Fraction” is a measure of this contractility. Basically, with each beat, the heart pumps a certain percentage of what is in the heart before that contraction. The normal Ejection Fraction (“EF”) is between 55-70%. When the EF is below 55% this is an indication that the heart is not pumping as strong as what is considered normal. The lesser the EF, the “weaker” is the heart function.
When the EF is low, the heart tries to make up for this lack of strength by beating more frequently. If someone has a resting pulse of over 100 (or even the 90’s) this may indicate a problem with the strength of the heart contractions. “Cardiomyopathy” and “Congestive Heart Failure” are terms used to describe scenarios when the heart function is weak.
There are other reasons for a fast heart rate other than cardiomyopathy and/or congestive heart failure. These will include pregnancy, fever/infections, certain medications and stress. Reasons for a slow heart rate, aside from a strong, athletic heart, will include medications such as beta blockers and certain calcium channel blockers, a poorly sino-atrial node (the heart’s internal pacemaker) and diseases such as a low functioning thyroid.
What is YOUR heart rate? Unlike the old days when you needed to pace a finger on an artery in the neck or wrist and count the beats as you looked at your watch, there are plenty of apps, monitors and exercise equipment that will provide this number to you. If you find that your heart rate seems exceptionally low or high, you should go see your primary care doctor or cardiologist for evaluation.
And here is an oldie from the Defranco Family…”It’s A Heartbeat, It’s a Love Beat”
