Why do children typically have a higher heart rate than adults?

Children typically have a higher heart rate than adults primarily due to a lower stroke volume. Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each beat. In children, the heart is smaller and less muscular, which often results in a lower stroke volume when compared to adults. To compensate for this reduced stroke volume and to meet their metabolic needs, children's hearts beat more rapidly, leading to a higher overall heart rate.

This physiological mechanism is crucial for ensuring adequate blood flow to support their developmental needs and higher metabolic demands, especially during activities such as exercise and play. Additionally, as children grow and their cardiovascular systems mature, their stroke volume increases, which typically results in a decrease in heart rate over time.

While the other options discuss factors that could influence heart rate or cardiovascular function, they do not specifically address the primary reason children have higher heart rates compared to adults.