The work of the heart is one of the most important criteria for the health of the body at any age. The main indicators of the heart muscle - the frequency and strength of the pulse, blood pressure - have their own norms in each of the ages. In this article, we will talk about heart rate in children, consider HR norms in children under one year, during sleep, during sports, etc. And also talk about what it means rapid or slow heartbeat in the child.
Heart rate in children
As you know, the pulse rate is not constant. It depends on many factors: the level of physical activity, health, temperature of the environment and even the mood of a person. By changing the heart rate, the heart controls and improves the person's adaptation to changes in the external environment and the state of the body.
Changes in pulse rate with age are clearly visible in children. So, for example, the heart of a newborn baby beats almost twice as fast as an adult's. Over time, heart rate gradually decreases, and already in adolescence (by 12-16 years) goes to the level of "adult" rate indicators. In elderly people after 50-55 years (especially those who lead an inactive, sedentary lifestyle and do not engage in sports), the heart muscle gradually weakens, and the pulse becomes more frequent.
In addition to the pulse rate in newborns and children, pediatricians necessarily monitor the frequency of respiratory movements (BHD or BH). Heart rate and heart rate in children are among the most important indicators of health (or disease) and the proper development of the body. Newborns breathe more often (40-60 times per minute), with age, the frequency of respiratory movements decreases (for example, at the age of 5-6 years it is already 25 times per minute).
The mean values of heart rate for different ages are as follows:
- 0-1 month - 140 beats per minute;
- 1-12 months - 132 beats per minute;
- 12-24 months. - 124 beats per minute;
- 2-4 years - 115 beats per minute;
- 4-6 years - 106 beats per minute;
- 6-8 years - 98 bpm;
- 8-10 years - 88 beats per minute;
- 10-12 years - 80 beats per minute;
- 12-15 years - 75 bpm;
- 15-50 years - 70 beats per minute;
- 50-60 years - 74 bpm;
- 60-80 years - 79 bpm.
Comparing your child's heart rate with these indicators, note that the norm limits are much wider than the indicated average. And still, if you notice that your child's pulse is significantly different from the average age, consult a pediatrician and a cardiologist. Perhaps changing the heart rate indicates the development of a disease.
What does the accelerated pulse mean?
Acceleration of the heartbeat is observed during physical exertion, in heat or during a burst of emotions. At the same time, the heart rate can increase up to 3-3.5 times and this is not a pathology. If the child's pulse is accelerated even at rest (this is called tachycardia), it may be a sign of fatigue, loss of strength or pathological processes of the heart muscle.
What does slow heart rate mean?
Bradycardia (slowing heart rate at rest) with good health is an indicator of the strength of the heart muscle and body fitness. Athletes engaged in sports that require significant endurance (eg rowing or swimming), the normal heart rate is at the level of 35-40 beats per minute. If a person with a bradycardia does not lead an active lifestyle, is not an athlete, and during periods of lowering the heart rate feels bad, complains of dizziness, quickly becomes tired or his blood pressure changes - you need to see a doctor immediately.
How to measure the pulse?
Determining the heart rate is very simple. To do this, you should grope on the neck, temple, back of the foot or wrist large artery and slightly press it with your index and thumb. You will feel the rhythmic pulsation. Count the number of shocks in 15 seconds and multiply this number by four. This will be the indicator of the heart rate per minute. Normal pulse is clear, rhythmic, corresponds to the age norm.
Consider that the pulse should be measured at rest, each time in the same pose (because the pulse rate in standing position, sitting and lying different). Only in this way you can control the dynamics of the phenomenon and immediately notice a tachycardia or a bradycardia.