How does the heart rate in children generally compare to that of adults?

The heart rate in children is generally higher than that of adults, primarily due to several physiological differences. Children have smaller hearts and a faster metabolism, which necessitates a quicker heart rate to supply adequate oxygen and nutrients to growing tissues.

As children develop, their heart rate will gradually decrease toward levels that are more typical of adults, but young children often exhibit a resting heart rate that is significantly higher than the average adult resting heart rate, which typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. For instance, newborns can have a resting heart rate between 120 to 160 beats per minute, while older children may range from 75 to 120 beats per minute.

Understanding these differences is vital for exercise physiologists when designing appropriate exercise programs and monitoring cardiovascular responses during physical activity in children.