The pulse rate in children

One of the indicators of the heart is the pulse. These are fluctuations in the walls of the arteries due to cardiac contractions. Know what the pulse rate should be in children, it is important not only to medical workers, but also to parents. This indicator, first of all, depends on the age of the child. It is also influenced by a number of other factors:

• health status;
• weather conditions in which heart rate measurements (HR) are carried out;
• the mood of the child;
• physical activity and fitness of the organism;
• Body temperature.

Rates of pulse in children of different ages

The heart rate is a non-constant value. In children, this parameter is significantly higher than in adults. The highest value of the heart rate in newborns (about 140 beats / min). At the same time, in a healthy teenager in 15 years the indicator can reach only 70 beats per minute. Approximately this value is maintained throughout life. But in old age the heart muscle begins to weaken, and the heart rate increases.

The norm of the heart rate in children can be learned from special tables.

If the value deviates to the larger side by about 20% of the allowable value, then we can speak about the rapid heart rate. Call such a state of tachycardia. It can be caused by the following factors:

• decreased hemoglobin;
• overwork and stress;
• heart disease, respiratory system, endocrine pathology.

The pulse can increase with an emotional outburst, as well as in the heat. The indicator is able to exceed the limit of the norm by 3 times, but this is not considered a disease or pathology.

Reduction in heart rate, or bradycardia, can occur in adolescents who are actively involved in sports. This should not be alarming if the child is well. In the case when there are other complaints about your health, you need a doctor's consultation.

Measurement of heart rate

Any person can learn to determine this indicator. For this, you will not need to have special adaptations or knowledge. To find out if the pulse rate is normal in children, you need to gently press down on your index finger a large artery on your wrist, temple or neck. Then you need to calculate the blood ripples in 15 seconds. To determine the rate of contraction of the heart muscle per minute, you will need to multiply the figure by 4. For a more accurate result, it is better to take measurements in 1 minute. The result should be checked with a table of the pulse rates in children. With obvious deviations, it is worth to visit a doctor. If the calculations are carried out regularly, then it should be done under the same conditions.