Heartbeat signals may reflect your cardiovascular health.

Cardiologists note a normal adult resting heart rate is commonly about 60–80 beats per minute, and persistent elevation or an irregular rhythm can be linked with cardiovascular risk.

Your heartbeat is described as a window into cardiovascular health in a recent article that gathers insights from cardiologists. The piece explains why heart sounds occur and gives common ranges for a resting pulse. It outlines physical and emotional factors that change heart rate and distinguishes brief fluctuations from patterns that may signal concern. The article also mentions how modern tools can record rhythm changes for clinical review. Key points about heartbeats: - A typical adult resting heart rate is reported as about 60–80 beats per minute, and a consistently higher resting rate above roughly 80–90 BPM has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. - Definitions noted: tachycardia is a resting rate over 100 BPM and bradycardia is under 60 BPM. - A study cited from Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is reported to link higher levels of the genes TBX3 and HCN1 with faster heart rhythms in women. - Stress affects heart rate through adrenaline and cortisol and activation of the sympathetic nervous system; chronic stress is reported to be associated with higher resting rates, inflammation, and increased risk of rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation. - The article describes manual pulse methods at the wrist (radial) and neck (carotid), counting for 30 seconds then doubling or for 60 seconds for accuracy, and notes that measurements are often taken after resting or in the morning. - It is reported that a consistently irregular, chaotic rhythm can indicate atrial fibrillation and that symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or fainting have been described alongside rhythm problems; ambulatory ECG monitors and smartphone-enabled devices are mentioned as tools clinicians use to document abnormalities. Summary: Cardiologists presented in the article describe the heartbeat as an accessible indicator of heart function and report that sustained elevated rates or persistent irregular rhythms can reflect underlying conditions. The piece notes that clinicians use ambulatory ECGs and consumer devices to capture and document rhythm abnormalities. Undetermined at this time.