Heart rate 110 on an adult - what does it mean?

Where 110 bpm sits on the adult scale

What a resting pulse of 110 means

Common temporary causes: caffeine or energy drinks, nicotine, alcohol (also the day after), stress or anxiety, fever or infection, dehydration, a large meal, heat, pain, and recent physical activity. Decongestants, asthma inhalers and thyroid medication can also raise the pulse.

Sit quietly for five minutes and measure again. If your resting pulse is repeatedly above 100, causes worth checking include anemia, an overactive thyroid, heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, and low fitness after illness.

Ranges apply to adults and children aged 10 and older, measured at rest (American Heart Association). By the numbers: at 110 bpm the heart beats about every 0.55 seconds — roughly 158,400 beats a day.

Thirty-something weeks pregnant with a pulse of 110

By the third trimester the body is carrying considerably more blood than before pregnancy, and the heart moves more of it every minute to supply the placenta and the baby. Part of that extra work is done by beating faster. Resting rates typically rise by about 10 to 20 beats per minute over the course of pregnancy. Someone who usually rested at 85 to 90 can find herself at 100 to 110 in the final weeks.

Other late-pregnancy factors add to it: the growing uterus pressing up on the diaphragm so breathing feels harder, interrupted sleep, heartburn, warmth and the effort of simply moving around. A resting pulse of 110 that you have watched creep up gradually, with no other symptoms, is often part of this normal adjustment. A resting 110 is at the top of what pregnancy alone explains, so call your midwife or obstetrician within a day or two rather than waiting for the next visit; they can check for anemia, infection or thyroid problems.

Position, iron and other things to check

• Lying flat on your back late in pregnancy can press on a large vein and reduce the blood returning to the heart. You may feel dizzy, sweaty or sick and your pulse may jump. Lying on your left side usually fixes it within minutes.
• Anemia is common in pregnancy and raises the rate further. Your routine blood tests check for it.
• Fluids and fever: dehydration or an infection add beats on top of the pregnancy rise.
• Thyroid problems can start or change during pregnancy.

When you measure, sit or lie on your side for five minutes first, and compare readings taken at the same time of day. Our resting heart rate page has more on getting a fair baseline.

Call your care team, or 911

Contact your midwife or obstetrician promptly if a fast pulse comes with breathlessness that is new or worse when lying flat, palpitations with dizziness, a severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, or one swollen and painful leg. Call 911 for chest pain, fainting, severe trouble breathing or coughing up blood. These problems are uncommon, but late pregnancy is a time when they need to be ruled out quickly.

After delivery the rate usually returns toward your pre-pregnancy level over the following weeks. If it stays high well after the birth, especially with tiredness, weight loss or feeling shaky, mention it at your postpartum check, since anemia from blood loss and post-pregnancy thyroid inflammation are both common enough to look for.

For a reliable resting value, sit quietly for five minutes first and average a few mornings: Resting Heart Rate: What It Says About Your Health. You can also measure by tapping along on the start page.

Nearby values

• 105 bpm
• 106 bpm
• 107 bpm
• 108 bpm
• 109 bpm
• 111 bpm
• 112 bpm
• 113 bpm
• 114 bpm
• 115 bpm

Measured on a child instead? See heart rate 110 in a child.

Sources: American Heart Association: All About Heart Rate · MedlinePlus: Pulse · ACSM position stand on exercise intensity (2011)

This page explains a single reading in general terms. It is not a diagnosis. Heart rate alone cannot tell whether the rhythm is regular or whether the heart is healthy — if you are worried, talk to a doctor.