What is the normal range for adult resting heart rate?

The normal range for an adult resting heart rate is considered to be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. This range is established through clinical observations and research that indicate this is the typical rate at which a healthy adult's heart beats while at rest. A resting heart rate within this range indicates efficient heart function and a good level of cardiovascular health.

Rates below 60 beats per minute can be common in physically fit individuals, such as athletes, and might not necessarily indicate a health concern. On the other hand, rates above 100 beats per minute at rest, known as tachycardia, may signal underlying health issues or increased stress or activity levels. Thus, the choice of 60 to 100 beats per minute is widely accepted as the standard for a healthy adult resting heart rate, reflecting a balance between efficiency and normal physiological function.