Which value best represents a typical normal resting heart rate for adults?

• A. 72 bpm
• B. 120 bpm
• C. 40 bpm
• D. 160 bpm

Answer: (A)

Normal resting heart rate for adults is roughly 60 to 100 beats per minute. A value around 72 bpm sits right in that range and reflects a typical resting state for many healthy adults. Values like 120 bpm at rest indicate tachycardia and can occur with fever, anxiety, dehydration, or illness; 40 bpm at rest suggests bradycardia, which might be normal for some well-trained athletes but is not the typical resting rate for the general adult population; 160 bpm is far above normal resting levels and would signal a significant tachycardic state or other issue. When measuring, consider factors that can influence the number—recent activity, stress, temperature, medications, and overall fitness—to understand why a value like 72 bpm is a good, representative example of a normal resting heart rate.