Which of the following age groups has the highest normal heart rate range?

The age group of 0-3 months has the highest normal heart rate range, which typically falls between 120 to 160 beats per minute. Infants within this age bracket have higher metabolic demands and require a rapid heart rate to ensure adequate oxygen delivery and blood circulation as they grow and develop.

As children age, their heart rates gradually decrease. For example, the heart rate for the 3-6 months age group is slightly lower than that of infants, usually ranging from 110 to 150 beats per minute. Moving up to the 6-12 months age group, heart rates further decline to around 100 to 140 beats per minute. By the time individuals reach adulthood, a normal resting heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, reflecting a more developed cardiovascular system that can maintain efficiency at slower rates.

Understanding these normal heart rate ranges is crucial for primary care paramedics, as it helps them assess patient conditions accurately and recognize when an infant or child may be in distress or exhibiting signs of cardiovascular issues.