While we are all very observant about our heart rates when we are running or when we are in shock or stress, we seldom monitor it when we are living our regular, routine lives. Here, our resting heart rate comes into play. What Is Resting Heart Rate?As the name suggests, resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest. It is a vital sign that provides a glance into your cardiovascular or overall health. Notably, it should not be confused with blood pressure, which is the force with which the blood circulates in the body. Now, resting heart rate does not function on a one-size-fits-all-metric. A lot of factors influence it including stress, hormones, anxiety, medication, and physical activity contribute to what may be considered a healthy rate for you. On average, though, the AHA says a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm) is "normal" for most adults. Athletes or very active individuals may have a resting rate as low as 40 bpm.Having a pulse over 100 bpm is called tachycardia. The condition can be brought on by a variety of reasons including dehydration or excessive caffeine intake, to smoking or anxiety. It can manifest itself in symptoms like Fatigue, nausea, sweating, and lightheadedness. On the other hand, Bradycardia, on the other hand, occurs when your heart rate falls below 60 bpm. Conditions including obstructive sleep apnea and chemical imbalances in the blood can cause bradycardia. It manifests itself in symptoms like feeling too dizzy, and nability or get up and perform regular activities. If you've passed out or feel like you’re going to pass out—those are symptoms that you have too low of a heart rate that needs to be raised.Fitness devices, like smartwatches or fitness trackers, provide a convenient way to measure and track your resting heart rate and overall cardiovascular health. These devices use optical sensors to monitor blood flow through your wrist, offering real-time data without the need for manual pulse checking. Many modern fitness trackers can also store and analyze your heart rate over time, helping you identify trends and changes. Additionally, they offer features such as heart rate zone tracking during exercise, sleep monitoring, and alerts for abnormal heart rates. By providing continuous data, fitness devices enable users to make informed decisions about their health, allowing for personalized fitness plans and early detection of potential health concerns.