How fast does the normal heart beat?

How fast the heart beats depends on the body's need for oxygen-rich blood. At rest, the SA node causes your heart to beat about 50 to 100 times each minute. During activity or excitement, your body needs more oxygen-rich blood; the heart rate rises to well over 100 beats per minute.

Medications and some medical conditions may affect how fast your heart-rate is at rest and with exercise.