From the Guidelines
The normal pediatric heart rate ranges from 80-120 beats/minute at age 3 years and from 70-115 beats/minute after age 3 years. This information is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which provides guidelines for anaphylaxis diagnosis and treatment 1. According to this study, normal heart rate ranges are provided as a reference point for assessing pediatric patients.
Key Points to Consider
- The normal heart rate range for pediatric patients varies by age, with younger children typically having higher heart rates than older children.
- Heart rate is an important vital sign to monitor in pediatric patients, especially in cases of suspected anaphylaxis or other acute illnesses.
- Factors such as excitement, anxiety, fever, dehydration, or certain medications can temporarily elevate heart rate in children.
- Regular physical activity can help develop a stronger heart and potentially result in a lower resting heart rate over time.
Clinical Implications
- Parents and caregivers should be aware of the normal heart rate range for their child's age group and seek medical evaluation if the child's resting heart rate consistently falls outside this range, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
- Healthcare providers should consider the normal heart rate range when assessing pediatric patients and interpreting vital signs, as tachycardia may be an initial manifestation of shock in infants and children 1.
From the Research
Normal Pediatric Heart Rate
The normal pediatric heart rate can vary based on age, gender, and other factors.
- Studies have shown that heart rate decreases with age in children and adolescents 2, 3, 4.
- According to a study published in 2008, minimum and mean heart rates decrease with age, while the maximal RR-interval prolongs 2.
- A 2011 systematic review of observational studies found that heart rate shows a small peak at age 1 month, with a median heart rate of 127 beats per minute at birth, increasing to 145 beats per minute at about 1 month, before decreasing to 113 beats per minute by 2 years of age 3.
- Another study published in 2017 found that resting heart rate (RHR) decreases with age and is on average 3.0 beats per minute higher in girls than in boys 4.
- A 1988 study found that the absolute mean heart rate in healthy children was 87 +/- 10 beats per minute, with a range of 72-104 beats per minute 5.
- A 2021 study established normal reference ranges for heart rate in healthy term-born infants during the first 24 hours of life, with the 50th percentile being 126 beats per minute at age 2 hours and thereafter 120-122 beats per minute 6.
Factors Affecting Heart Rate
Several factors can affect heart rate in children, including:
- Age: Heart rate decreases with age in children and adolescents 2, 3, 4.
- Gender: Girls tend to have higher heart rates than boys 4.
- Sleep state: Heart rate is higher when awake than when asleep 6.
- Position: Heart rate is higher when on the mother's chest than in the cot 6.
- Temperature: Heart rate increases with rectal temperature 6.
- Aerobic fitness: Higher aerobic fitness is associated with lower heart rates in adolescents 4.