What raises your heart rate at rest?
A higher-than-usual reading often has an everyday cause. Before comparing numbers, think about what happened in the last day.
Common causes
- Caffeine and nicotine.
- Stress and anxiety.
- A poor night's sleep.
- Alcohol the evening before.
- Dehydration and hot weather.
- Illness or fever.
- Some medications.
- Recent exercise or a heavy meal.
Get a fair reading
- Measure at the same time each day, ideally on waking.
- Sit still for a minute first.
- Add a mood and activity note so you can spot patterns later.
FAQ
- When is a high resting heart rate a concern?
- A resting rate that stays above 100 bpm, or any high reading with symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness or fainting, is a reason to contact a doctor.
Your pulse in 45 seconds
Heart Rate & Health - Novaz reads your heart rate from your iPhone camera, with HRV, stress, energy and a Heart Score. No account — your data stays on your phone. A wellness app, not a medical device.
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