Heart Rate 113 BPM: Is It Normal?

A heart rate of 113 beats per minute (BPM) is above the normal resting range for adults (typically 60-100 BPM) but can be completely normal during light to moderate physical activity, stress, or anxiety. For children, 113 BPM may fall within normal ranges. Consult a healthcare provider if you consistently have a resting heart rate of 113 BPM, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personal medical concerns, diagnosis, or treatment decisions.

Understanding Heart Rate

Heart rate, measured in beats per minute (BPM), indicates how many times your heart contracts in one minute. It's a vital sign that provides important information about your cardiovascular health and overall fitness.

Normal Heart Rate Ranges

Age Group Normal Resting Heart Rate Is 113 BPM Normal?
Newborns (0-1 month) 70-190 BPM Yes - Within normal range
Infants (1-11 months) 80-160 BPM Yes - Within normal range
Children (1-2 years) 80-130 BPM Yes - Within normal range
Children (3-4 years) 80-120 BPM Yes - Slightly elevated
Children (5-6 years) 75-115 BPM Yes - Slightly elevated
Children (7-9 years) 70-110 BPM Slightly elevated
Children (10+ years) 60-100 BPM Elevated
Adults 60-100 BPM Elevated
Well-trained Athletes 40-60 BPM Significantly elevated

Factors That Influence Heart Rate

Many factors can affect your heart rate, including:

  • Physical activity and exercise
  • Emotional state (stress, anxiety, excitement)
  • Body position (standing, sitting, lying down)
  • Body size and fitness level
  • Air temperature and humidity
  • Medication use
  • Caffeine or alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Underlying health conditions

A Heart Rate of 113 BPM in Different Contexts

113 BPM at Rest

For most adults, a resting heart rate of 113 BPM is above the normal range (60-100 BPM) and is considered tachycardia (fast heart rate). Temporary elevations can be normal due to stress, anxiety, caffeine, or illness, but a persistently elevated resting heart rate should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

113 BPM During Exercise

During exercise, 113 BPM represents light to moderate intensity for most adults. For a 40-year-old with a maximum heart rate of approximately 180 BPM, 113 BPM is about 63% of maximum, falling within the moderate-intensity cardio zone (60-70% of maximum heart rate).

Heart Rate Zones During Exercise

Exercise intensity is often categorized into heart rate zones, calculated as a percentage of your maximum heart rate (estimated as 220 minus your age):

Zone Intensity Percentage of Max HR For a 40-year-old Is 113 BPM in this Zone?
1 Very Light 50-60% 90-108 BPM No - Above this zone
2 Light to Moderate 60-70% 108-126 BPM Yes - In this zone
3 Moderate to Hard 70-80% 126-144 BPM No - Below this zone
4 Hard 80-90% 144-162 BPM No - Below this zone
5 Maximum 90-100% 162-180 BPM No - Below this zone

In this context, a heart rate of 113 BPM during exercise typically indicates a beneficial moderate-intensity workout for most adults, often described as a pace where you can talk but not sing.

Causes of a 113 BPM Heart Rate

Numerous factors can cause your heart rate to reach 113 BPM:

Normal Physiological Causes

  • Physical Activity: Light to moderate exercise like brisk walking, light jogging, or climbing stairs
  • Emotional Responses: Stress, anxiety, excitement, fear
  • Digestion: After eating a large meal, especially one high in carbohydrates or sugar
  • Postural Changes: Standing up quickly (orthostatic response)
  • Temperature: High environmental temperature or fever
  • Dehydration: Even mild dehydration can elevate heart rate

Substances That Can Elevate Heart Rate to 113 BPM

  • Caffeine: Coffee, tea, energy drinks, some sodas
  • Nicotine: Cigarettes, vaping products
  • Alcohol: Particularly during withdrawal or with excessive consumption
  • Medications: Decongestants, stimulants, beta-agonists (e.g., asthma inhalers), thyroid medication
  • Recreational Drugs: Cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA

Medical Conditions Associated with Elevated Heart Rate

Several health conditions can cause a heart rate of 113 BPM or higher at rest:

  • Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland
  • Anemia: Low red blood cell count
  • Fever or Infection: Body's inflammatory response
  • Dehydration: Reduced blood volume
  • Heart Arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia
  • Anxiety Disorders: Panic attacks, generalized anxiety
  • Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause
  • Heart Failure: Weakened heart muscle
  • Sleep Apnea: Breathing disruptions during sleep

When to Be Concerned About a Heart Rate of 113 BPM

While a heart rate of 113 BPM can be perfectly normal in many contexts, there are situations where it may warrant medical attention:

Seek Medical Attention If:

  • Your resting heart rate is consistently 113 BPM or higher
  • You experience a sudden increase in heart rate without obvious cause
  • The elevated heart rate is accompanied by:
    • Chest pain or discomfort
    • Shortness of breath
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Fainting or near-fainting
    • Unusual fatigue or weakness
  • Your heart feels like it's skipping beats or racing irregularly
  • You have a history of heart disease and notice an elevated heart rate
  • The elevated heart rate doesn't return to normal with rest
  • You're taking medications that affect heart rate and notice consistent elevation

Potential Diagnosis and Tests

If you have concerns about a heart rate of 113 BPM, your healthcare provider may:

  • Take a detailed medical history
  • Perform a physical examination
  • Order tests such as:
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
    • Holter monitor (portable ECG)
    • Blood tests (thyroid function, complete blood count)
    • Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
    • Stress test

Managing and Lowering an Elevated Heart Rate

Immediate Strategies to Lower Heart Rate

If you notice your heart rate is elevated to around 113 BPM and want to lower it:

  1. Practice deep breathing: Slow, deep breaths can activate the parasympathetic nervous system
  2. Sit or lie down: Resting in a comfortable position reduces physical demands on the heart
  3. Apply cold water: Splash cold water on your face, which can trigger the diving reflex to slow heart rate
  4. Try vagal maneuvers: Techniques like the Valsalva maneuver (bearing down as if having a bowel movement while holding your breath) can slow heart rate (consult a healthcare provider before attempting these)
  5. Stay hydrated: Drink water, especially if dehydration might be a factor

Long-term Strategies for Heart Health

To maintain a healthy heart rate over time:

  • Regular cardiovascular exercise: Improves heart efficiency and often lowers resting heart rate
  • Maintain healthy weight: Excess weight can force the heart to work harder
  • Limit stimulants: Reduce caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants
  • Manage stress: Practice meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques
  • Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep can contribute to elevated heart rate
  • Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports healthy blood volume and circulation
  • Balanced nutrition: Focus on heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a heart rate of 113 BPM mean I'm having a heart attack?

Not necessarily. While an elevated heart rate can occur during a heart attack, a heart rate of 113 BPM alone is not diagnostic of a heart attack. Heart attacks typically present with additional symptoms like chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm/jaw/back, nausea, and cold sweats. If you're experiencing these symptoms along with an elevated heart rate, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Can anxiety cause a heart rate of 113 BPM?

Yes, anxiety and stress are common causes of temporary heart rate elevation to 113 BPM or higher. During periods of anxiety, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline that increase heart rate as part of the "fight-or-flight" response. While this is a normal physiological reaction, persistent anxiety-related tachycardia may benefit from stress management techniques or medical intervention.

Is a heart rate of 113 BPM dangerous during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman's resting heart rate naturally increases by about 10-20 BPM due to increased blood volume and cardiac output. A heart rate of 113 BPM may be normal for a pregnant woman, especially during activity or in the third trimester. However, persistent tachycardia should be evaluated by an obstetrician, as it could potentially indicate conditions like anemia, thyroid issues, or, rarely, pregnancy-related cardiac conditions.

How does age affect normal heart rate ranges?

Normal heart rate ranges vary significantly with age. Infants and young children naturally have higher heart rates (80-160 BPM for infants, gradually decreasing as they age). By adolescence, the normal range approaches adult levels (60-100 BPM). As adults age, maximum heart rate decreases (roughly estimated by the formula 220 minus age), though resting heart rate typically remains in the same 60-100 BPM range unless affected by medications or health conditions.

Can medications cause a heart rate of 113 BPM?

Yes, several medications can increase heart rate to 113 BPM or higher, including: decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, stimulant medications for ADHD, beta-agonists in asthma inhalers, thyroid replacement medications (if dosage is too high), some antidepressants, and certain antibiotics. If you notice a sustained increase in heart rate after starting a new medication, consult your healthcare provider, as a dosage adjustment may be needed.