What is the average resting heart rate for an adult?

The average resting heart rate for a healthy adult typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. This range is considered normal and reflects a standard measure of cardiac function. Factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health can influence a person's resting heart rate; however, the 60 to 100 beats per minute range is widely accepted in medical guidelines as the baseline for assessing normal heart rhythm at rest.

Other ranges presented in the choices do not align with the established medical consensus. For example, the option suggesting a lower range of 50 to 70 beats per minute might be considered normal for athletic individuals or highly conditioned athletes; however, it is not applicable to the general population. Similarly, the option indicating a higher average of 70 to 90 beats per minute does not encompass the full normal range, and the 80 to 120 beats per minute option exceeds the normative limit for resting heart rates, indicating possible health concerns. Thus, the broad acceptance of 60 to 100 beats per minute embodies the most comprehensive understanding of what an average resting heart rate should be for adults.