Published: 9 Jul 2024

That would be high for a resting heart rate but 'normal' for the rate during this kind of activity.
For simplicity, we use the term reference range in this article. To understand what is normal for you, your doctor must know what is normal for most other people of your age and what you were doing at the time-or just before-the test or observation was conducted. The term 'normal range' is not used very much today because it is considered to be misleading. Your heart rate, like any medical observation, must be considered in context. The interpretation of any clinical laboratory test must consider this important concept when comparing the patient results to the test 'reference range'.Tests results-all medical data-can only be understood once all the pieces are together. How do you know what a 'normal' heart rate is? We know this on the basis of taking the pulse rate of millions of people over time. Therefore, today 'reference range' or 'reference values' are considered the more appropriate terms, for reasons explained on the next page. Take one of the simplest medical indicators of all-your heart rate. Without the proper context, any observation or test result is meaningless. Most people know that the 'average' heart rate is about 70 beats per minute. If a patient's results are outside the range for that test, it does not automatically mean that the result is abnormal. You can take your resting heart rate right now by putting your fingers on your pulse and counting for a minute. You probably also know that if you are a regular runner or are otherwise in good physical condition, your pulse rate could be considerably lower-so a pulse rate of 55 could also be 'normal.' Say you walk up a hill-your heart rate is now 120 beats a minute. The term reference values is increasing in use and is often used interchangeably with reference range.

You can take your resting heart rate right now by putting your fingers on your pulse and counting for a minute. Tests results-all medical data-can only be understood once all the pieces are together. The interpretation of any clinical laboratory test must consider this important concept when comparing the patient results to the test 'reference range'.Without the proper context, any observation or test result is meaningless. For simplicity, we use the term reference range in this article. The term reference values is increasing in use and is often used interchangeably with reference range. Take one of the simplest medical indicators of all-your heart rate. To understand what is normal for you, your doctor must know what is normal for most other people of your age and what you were doing at the time-or just before-the test or observation was conducted. Most people know that the 'average' heart rate is about 70 beats per minute. The term 'normal range' is not used very much today because it is considered to be misleading. Therefore, today 'reference range' or 'reference values' are considered the more appropriate terms, for reasons explained on the next page. You probably also know that if you are a regular runner or are otherwise in good physical condition, your pulse rate could be considerably lower-so a pulse rate of 55 could also be 'normal.' Say you walk up a hill-your heart rate is now 120 beats a minute. That would be high for a resting heart rate but 'normal' for the rate during this kind of activity. How do you know what a 'normal' heart rate is? We know this on the basis of taking the pulse rate of millions of people over time. If a patient's results are outside the range for that test, it does not automatically mean that the result is abnormal. Your heart rate, like any medical observation, must be considered in context.