Understand your heart, your health, and your numbers — expert insights from Cardiac Care Associates, Northern Virginia.
Your heart rate — the number of times your heart beats per minute (bpm) — is one of the simplest yet most important indicators of cardiovascular health. But what’s considered a normal heart rate for women? Does it change with age? And when should you be concerned?
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast tracking your numbers or simply curious about how your heart is doing, understanding your resting heart rate and how it evolves with age is a crucial step in proactive heart health.
Heart rate refers to how many times your heart beats per minute (bpm). Measuring your heart rate helps to understand how hard your heart is working and can offer vital insights into your cardiovascular fitness, stress levels, and overall health.
Your resting heart rate (RHR) is your heart rate when you are at complete rest, such as when you're sitting quietly or sleeping. For most healthy women, this typically ranges between 60 and 100 bpm.
A resting heart rate that is consistently too high or too low may signal underlying health issues, such as:
While general guidelines suggest a healthy resting heart rate between 60–100 bpm, age matters. Here's a breakdown of average resting heart rates for women across different age groups:
Age Group Normal Resting Heart Rate (bpm)
18–25 years 60–80
26–35 years 60–82
36–45 years 62–84
46–55 years 64–86
56–65 years 65–88
65+ years 66–90
Note: These ranges are general guidelines. Your personal “normal” may vary based on your fitness level, genetics, medications, and health conditions.
A healthy heart rate for women falls within these typical ranges, but context is key. Here’s what to consider:
For example, if you’re 40:
220 – 40 = 180 bpm (max heart rate)
Target range (50–85%): 90–153 bpm during moderate to vigorous exercise.
If you experience these symptoms, it's important to consult a cardiologist for a thorough evaluation.
❓ Is 90 bpm normal for a woman?
Yes, for many women, especially older adults, a resting heart rate of 90 bpm can still fall within the normal range. However, if you’re younger and sedentary, or if this rate is accompanied by other symptoms, it may warrant further evaluation.
❓ What’s a healthy resting heart rate for a 50-year-old woman?
For women aged 46–55, a typical resting heart rate is 64–86 bpm.
❓ What if my heart rate is lower than 60 bpm?
This can be perfectly normal, especially for athletic women. However, if you’re experiencing dizziness, fatigue, or fainting spells, you should seek medical advice.
❓ Does menopause affect heart rate?
Yes. Hormonal changes during menopause can impact heart rate and heart rate variability in women. Stress, weight changes, and sleep disturbances may also play a role.
Several factors can influence your bpm:
If you're concerned about any of these factors, scheduling a consultation with a specialist can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the variation in time between heartbeats. Higher HRV is generally associated with better cardiovascular health and greater resilience to stress.
Tracking your HRV, alongside your resting heart rate, gives a more complete picture of your heart health — and may help detect early signs of imbalance.
Or use a wearable device like a fitness tracker or smartwatch with heart rate monitoring features.
If your heart rate consistently falls outside the healthy ranges, or if you experience irregular rhythms, palpitations, or other concerning symptoms, don't delay. At Cardiac Care Associates, we offer expert assessments and personalized care to ensure your heart health is on track.
At Cardiac Care Associates, we are dedicated to Integrity, Compassion, Innovation, and Excellence in everything we do. Serving the women of Northern Virginia — including Fairfax, Reston, Leesburg, Landsdowne, and Fair Oaks — we provide comprehensive, individualized cardiac care in a supportive, patient-first environment.
Our experienced cardiologists are here to help you understand your heart health and guide you toward the best steps for long-term wellness.
If you have questions about your heart rate or cardiovascular health, schedule an appointment with us today.
📍 Our Northern Virginia Office Locations:
Your heart health matters. Let’s take the next step together.
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