Factors Affecting The Heart Rate Of Elderly People
At every age, it’s critical to understand what heart rate is healthy and normal. And one must also know about the factors which are directly and indirectly affecting the heart of Elderly People. Your pulse, or heart rate can help you detect severe health disorders that require medical attention, such as heart problems.
However, as you get older, your natural heart rate varies. The heart rate is one of the human body’s ‘vital signs,’ or crucial indications of health. It counts the number of times the heart contracts or beats per minute.
Physical Activity Risks In Elderly People
Physical activity risks to one’s safety and emotional responses all affect the rate of one’s heartbeat. The resting heart rate is when a person’s heart beat is relaxed.
While an average heart rate does not guarantee a person’s health, it is a valuable benchmark for detecting various health conditions. To check your heart rate, place your finger (not your thumb) on your pulse and count the number of beats in 60 seconds.
You can always check your pulse to determine your heart rate, which may be felt on your:
- Wrists
- The inside of your elbow
- On the side of the neck
- The very top of the foot
By the end of this guide, you will be able to know what a reasonable heart rate is and what are the factors which affect the heart rate of elderly people. So let’s take a deeper dive into the sea of information.
A typical heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute for seniors. Seniors’ resting heart rates, on the other hand, can differ from their exercising heart rates. To determine the maximum heart rate for elders (220 and subtract your age) and divide it by 50-85 percent to achieve your desired elderly heart rate.
The predicted target heart rate numbers for adults aged 45 to 70, according to the American Heart Association, are:
- 88 to 149 beats/minute if you’re 45 years old.
- 85 to 145 beats/minutes at 50 years old
- 83 to 140 beats/minute at 55 years old
- 80 to 136 beats/minute at 60 years old
- 78 to 132 beats/minute at 65 years old
- 75 to 128 beats/minute at 70 years old
Factors that affect the Heart Rates in Elderly
Resting heart rate is affected by a variety of factors. Aside from age, a few additional factors can influence your resting heart rate.
1-Side effects of medication:
Medications have their side effects. Beta-blockers, for example, can lower your resting heart rate. Therefore, one must have a proper consultation from doctors on what to have and what not to have as their medications to reduce heart effects.
2-Emotions:
Your heart rate may increase if you’re anxious or excited.
3-Abnormalities in the endocrine or hormonal systems:
Abnormal hormone levels can influence the heart rate excessively.
4-Intense Exercising:
While exercising, an individual’s heart rate must rise to supply more oxygen and energy to the rest of the body.
The goal of cardiovascular exercise is to lower the desired heart rate. With ageing, the optimal goal heart rate decreases. The highest heart rate is also worth mentioning. It reveals the heart’s full potential, which is generally attained by high-intensity activities.
5-Smoking:
Smokers tend to have a higher resting heart rate than non-smokers. It is possible to reduce it by quitting smoking. It can be challenging, but a doctor can assist you in developing a plan that works for you.
6-Anaemia:
Low amounts of red blood cells in anaemia might lead the heart to beat quicker to send oxygen-rich blood to the body.
7-Temperature:
When exposed to heated weather, your heart rate may increase slightly. Or even if you are in a cold place, you might also be subjected to affected heart rate.
8-Syndrome of postural tachycardia (PoTS):
Dizziness and fainting are two ordinary PoTS symptoms, in addition to heart palpitations. In this syndrome, you are subjected to an abnormal increase in heart rate when you are sitting or standing. Positioning of the body when you go from a sitting to a standing position, your heart rate may temporarily increase.
9-Weight:
Obese people may have a faster resting heart rate. The heart ultimately has to work harder to keep the body supplied with blood.
Conclusion:
Your heart rate stays about the same as you get older; however, it may take longer for your heart rate to rise while you exercise, and it may take longer for it to come down afterward.
Knowing your vital signs is critical if you or a loved one becomes unwell. Knowing the usual ranges for these essential indicators can help you figure out what steps to take next.
At My Noble Care, We are always willing to provide expert advice and services to elders and their families. Consider involving us in your preparations to support your ageing parents or relatives. With us, you are safe!