Heart rate 135 on an adult - what does it mean?

Where 135 bpm sits on the adult scale

What a resting pulse of 135 means

If you just climbed stairs, exercised or are very anxious, a pulse of 135 can be a normal response and should fall within minutes. A fast rate that persists at rest can come from fever, dehydration, blood loss or anemia, an overactive thyroid, or a heart rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

An irregular pulse at this speed is a typical sign of atrial fibrillation, which raises stroke risk and should always be evaluated.

Ranges apply to adults and children aged 10 and older, measured at rest (American Heart Association). By the numbers: at 135 bpm the heart beats about every 0.44 seconds — roughly 194,400 beats a day.

A pulse of 135 can be the first clue to hidden bleeding

When the body loses blood, the volume in the vessels falls. To keep blood pressure and oxygen supply steady, the nervous system tightens blood vessels and drives the heart faster. That compensation can work well for a while. Blood pressure may look acceptable even as blood is being lost, and a rising pulse is often the earlier warning. A resting rate of 135 with no exercise, fever or anxiety to explain it is a reason to ask whether blood could be escaping somewhere.

Some bleeding is obvious. Some is internal and only shows through what it does to the body.

Where hidden blood loss tends to show itself

• Stomach and bowel: black, sticky, tar-like stools; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; bright red blood from the back passage.
• After an injury: a fall, a car accident or a blow to the belly, followed by growing belly, back or flank pain, even if the outside looks fine.
• Heavy periods: soaking through pads or tampons every hour, large clots, or bleeding that lasts far longer than usual.
• Early pregnancy: one-sided belly pain, shoulder-tip pain or fainting, with or without vaginal bleeding, can mean an ectopic pregnancy.
• After surgery or a procedure: swelling or pain at the site that keeps increasing.

Alongside the fast pulse, the body often signals blood loss through feeling dizzy or faint when standing, pale or grey skin, cold and clammy hands, unusual thirst, and breathing faster than usual.

Medicines and conditions that make bleeding more likely

People taking blood thinners, such as warfarin or the newer anticoagulants, and those who regularly use anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin, have a higher chance of bleeding from the stomach. A history of ulcers, heavy drinking or liver disease adds to that. If any of these apply and your pulse has climbed to 135, mention them straight away when you seek help.

Call 911 if a fast pulse appears with any of the bleeding signs above, fainting, confusion, or skin that is cold and clammy. Lie down while you wait and do not eat or drink in case you need a procedure. Without such signs, a resting 135 that does not settle after ten to fifteen minutes still needs same-day medical contact. Slow blood loss over months, for example from heavy periods or a stomach ulcer, can instead cause anemia and a pulse that creeps up gradually. Once you have recovered, the resting heart rate guide helps you find your normal value again.

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

• 130 bpm
• 131 bpm
• 132 bpm
• 133 bpm
• 134 bpm
• 136 bpm
• 137 bpm
• 138 bpm
• 139 bpm
• 140 bpm

Measured on a child instead? See heart rate 135 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.