Heart rate
Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in one minute, measured in beats per minute (bpm). On an ECG, it's calculated from the spacing between heartbeats on the tracing.
Heart rate is one of the most basic signals of how your heart and body are working in the moment. It naturally rises with activity, stress, or caffeine and settles when you rest, so it offers a quick window into what your body is responding to.
A resting heart rate faster than about 100 bpm is called tachycardia, and it can simply reflect exercise, anxiety, fever, caffeine, or dehydration. It can also, in some cases, point to conditions worth exploring, such as a thyroid issue or a heart rhythm problem, which is why persistent or unexplained fast rates are worth discussing with a clinician.
A resting heart rate slower than about 60 bpm is called bradycardia, which can be perfectly healthy in well-trained athletes but may occasionally signal an issue with the heart's electrical system if paired with symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.
A typical resting heart rate for adults is roughly 60 to 100 bpm, though fit individuals are often lower. Your personal numbers are best interpreted alongside your symptoms and history with a clinician rather than on their own.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.