Normal Heart Rate When Walking
The normal heart rate while walking is different for each person. Several factors affect each person's normal heart rate. Monitoring heart rate norms is based on your resting heart rate -- the rate your heart beats after a good night's sleep before you get out of bed.
The normal heart rate while walking is different for each person. Several factors affect each person's normal heart rate. Monitoring heart rate norms is based on your resting heart rate -- the rate your heart beats after a good night's sleep before you get out of bed. The normal rate for this is between 40 to 100 beats per minute.
Environmental and Internal Heart Rate Factors
Moderate physical activity, like walking, does not change from the resting heart rate very much. Increased temperature, increased emotions, increased body size, and thyroid medication can increase your heart rate. Age and adrenaline blocking medicine slow down the heart rate. All of these may be a factor when looking at your normal heart rate when walking.
Fitness Factors
The lower your resting heart rate is, the healthier you are.
If you are using walking as a fitness activity, there is a target rate you should look to achieve. The American Heart Association recommends staying between 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. Your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. You should be able to keep a light conversation while exercise.
If you have any questions about your heart rate, see your physician, as variations in heart rate can indicate problems with the heart or circulatory system.