Average Heart Rate for a 5-Year-Old Child
The normal resting heart rate for a healthy 5-year-old child ranges from 70 to 115 beats per minute (bpm), with values consistently outside this range warranting further evaluation. 1
Evidence-Based Heart Rate Parameters
Age-Specific Normal Range
- For children ages 1 to 5 years, the normal resting heart rate is 70-115 bpm 1
- This range is based on American Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology guidelines and represents the expected values for children at rest 1
- By age 6, the range remains similar (70-115 bpm), indicating stability across early childhood 1
Supporting Research Data
- A large systematic review of 143,346 children found that median heart rate at age 2 years is approximately 113 bpm, with continued gradual decline through childhood 2
- The steepest decline in heart rate occurs during infancy, with rates stabilizing by age 2 years and remaining relatively consistent through early childhood 2
- Heart rate monitoring studies in 3-5 year old children demonstrate mean daily heart rates with no significant differences by gender or ethnicity 3
Clinical Context and Measurement Considerations
Factors That Affect Heart Rate
- Fever increases heart rate by approximately 10 bpm for each degree Celsius elevation in body temperature 1
- Activity state significantly impacts readings—heart rate is higher when awake versus asleep (mean difference of 5.6 bpm in young children) 4
- Stimulant-containing medications can elevate heart rate 1
Proper Measurement Technique
- Multiple measurements over time provide more reliable information than a single reading 1
- Electronic monitoring devices are reliable when used according to manufacturer instructions 1
- Heart rate varies considerably throughout the day in individual children, with intraclass correlation of only 0.21, indicating substantial within-day variability 4
When to Be Concerned
Red Flags Requiring Evaluation
- Heart rates consistently below 70 bpm or above 115 bpm at rest may warrant further investigation 1
- Accompanying symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath require immediate medical attention 1
- Tachycardia may indicate underlying conditions including fever, infection, anemia, pain, or dehydration 5
Important Caveats
- Transient heart rate changes during feeding, sleep transitions, or defecation should not be misinterpreted as pathological 5
- Clinical context and overall condition are more important than isolated measurements 5
- The definition of "resting" heart rate matters—different protocols for determining resting heart rate can result in apparent activity level differences of 10-65% 6