Your heart rate is measured by how many times your heart beats per minute, called “BPM.”  Humans’ heart rate usually slows down during sleep (resting heart rate) and increases when exercising.

Other factors that impact your heart rate include stress, hormones, medication, activity levels and anxiety, according to the American Heart Association.

Heart rate becomes a concern when your heart is beating too slowly (bradycardia) or too quickly (tachycardia).

A February 2021 story by the American Heart Association News says it's OK to track your heart rate but do not obsess over it. .