What is the heart rate range for children aged 12-18 years?

The heart rate range for children aged 12-18 years is indeed typically between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). This range is consistent with the resting heart rate for adolescents and young adults, which is comparable to that of the general adult population. As children grow, their heart rates gradually decrease, reaching adult levels by late adolescence.

The rationale behind this range being lower than those for younger children is that as the body matures, it becomes more efficient at pumping blood, leading to a lower heart rate at rest. In contrast, younger children typically have higher heart rates due to their smaller heart size and greater need for cardiac output relative to their body mass.

Knowing the normal heart rate range is crucial in emergency settings, as deviations from this range can indicate underlying health issues that may require immediate medical attention. The other heart rate ranges presented would be inappropriate for this age group, as they reflect normal ranges for younger children or infants, who naturally have higher heart rates.