Is it bad to have a high resting heart rate?

As a healthcare professional with a background in cardiology, I can tell you that a high resting heart rate, also known as tachycardia, can be a cause for concern under certain circumstances. While it's normal for an adult's heart to beat between 60 to 100 times per minute at rest, a consistently elevated heart rate above 100 beats per minute could indicate an underlying health issue. Factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health can influence a person's resting heart rate. For example, well-trained athletes might have a lower resting heart rate due to their cardiovascular fitness. However, if someone who is not highly trained has a consistently high resting heart rate, it could be due to various reasons including stress, anxiety, dehydration, certain medications, caffeine, nicotine, or health conditions like anemia, hyperthyroidism, or heart-related problems. It's important to note that a single high reading doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem, but if this is a persistent trend, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can evaluate the situation, consider other symptoms, and possibly perform tests to determine if there's an underlying cause that needs to be addressed.

While resting, a healthy adult heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. If a person's heart rate is consistently over 100 beats per minute, the person is considered to have a high heart rate, which is also known as tachycardia.