How do heart rates change as an individual transitions from infancy to adulthood?

How do heart rates change as an individual transitions from infancy to adulthood?

• A. Heart rates increase progressively
• B. Heart rates decrease progressively
• C. Heart rates remain constant throughout
• D. Heart rates are highest in adolescence

Answer: (B)

As an individual transitions from infancy to adulthood, heart rates tend to decrease progressively. In newborns and infants, the heart rate is generally much higher, often ranging between 120 to 160 beats per minute. This is due to their smaller size and the rapid metabolic rates needed for growth and development. As children grow, their heart rates gradually decline as their bodies develop and their cardiovascular system matures. By the time a person reaches adulthood, a typical resting heart rate is usually between 60 to 100 beats per minute. This decrease in heart rate is also associated with increased efficiency of the heart as the individual matures. Overall, the trend reflects a physiological adaptation as the body grows larger and the cardiovascular system becomes more efficient at pumping blood. Understanding this progression is crucial for combat medics, as it influences how they assess and respond to vital signs in different age groups.

As an individual transitions from infancy to adulthood, heart rates tend to decrease progressively. In newborns and infants, the heart rate is generally much higher, often ranging between 120 to 160 beats per minute. This is due to their smaller size and the rapid metabolic rates needed for growth and development.

As children grow, their heart rates gradually decline as their bodies develop and their cardiovascular system matures. By the time a person reaches adulthood, a typical resting heart rate is usually between 60 to 100 beats per minute. This decrease in heart rate is also associated with increased efficiency of the heart as the individual matures. Overall, the trend reflects a physiological adaptation as the body grows larger and the cardiovascular system becomes more efficient at pumping blood.

Understanding this progression is crucial for combat medics, as it influences how they assess and respond to vital signs in different age groups.