What is the typical normal resting heart rate for adults?

• A. 50-70 beats per minute
• B. 60-100 beats per minute
• C. 70-90 beats per minute
• D. 80-120 beats per minute

Answer: (B)

Normal resting heart rate in adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute when you’re at rest. This range reflects the balance of autonomic control over the heart: the parasympathetic system slows it down and the sympathetic system speeds it up. Most healthy adults sit within this window during quiet, non-active conditions. Individual variation exists—well-trained athletes may have resting rates below 60, while temporary factors like caffeine, stress, illness, or certain medications can raise the rate above 100. The range 60–100 bpm is the standard reference for a normal resting heart rate in adults, making it the best choice. The other ranges either miss common normal values or include higher rates that aren’t typical at rest for most adults.