RHR & Blood Pressure

Lesson Overview

  • Lesson 4: Resting Heart Rate & Blood Pressure

Resting Heart Rate (RHR)

  • Definition: Number of heart contractions in one minute at complete rest.

  • Influencing factors: Age, gender, and overall health.

Normal RHR Values

  • Normal Heart Rate: Approx. 60-100 beats/min.

  • How to Find RHR: Take your pulse at wrist, neck, temple, or foot; arteries are elastic and stretch as blood passes.

Measuring RHR

  • Count pulse for 30 seconds, then multiply by 2.

Bradycardia (Low Heart Rate)

  • Definition: Fewer than 60 beats/min.

  • Considerations: Depends on age and physical condition.

  • Symptoms: Often none, but can include dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue.

  • Treatment: Medication or pacemaker.

  • Notes: Common in athletes; not a concern if fit.

Tachycardia (High Heart Rate)

  • Definition: Consistently over 100 beats/min.

  • Causes: Normal during exercise or stress.

  • Symptoms: May include lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.

  • Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medication, or pacemaker if severe.

  • Risks of untreated tachycardia: Heart failure, stroke, death.

Blood Pressure (BP)

  • Definition: Pressure from blood during heart contractions; determined by blood volume and resistance in arteries.

  • Normal BP: 120/80 for healthy adults.

  • Systole: Contraction of ventricles (top number).

  • Diastole: Relaxation of atria (bottom number).

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Definition: Range typically 140/90.

  • Symptoms: Most have no signs; can be dangerous.

  • Effects: Narrows blood vessels; increases heart attack/stroke risk.

  • Risk factors: Family history, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, lifestyle factors.

Cholesterol

  • Definition: Waxy substance needed for hormone and vitamin production.

  • Types:

    • HDL: Good cholesterol; desirable levels.

    • LDL: Bad cholesterol; should be low.

Atherosclerosis

  • Definition: Thickening/hardening of arteries from plaque buildup.

  • Concerns: Reduce blood flow and oxygen supply.

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

  • Definition: Around 90/60; only one number needs to be low.

  • Symptoms: Dizziness, fatigue; often occurs when standing up from sitting/lying.

  • Generally not concerning but can indicate medical issues.

Contrast between Hypotension and Hypertension

  • Hypotension causes slower blood flow; hypertension can lead to thinner artery walls.