What is the normal heart rate range for burn victims?

For burn victims, the normal heart rate typically ranges from 100 to 120 beats per minute. This elevated heart rate is a physiological response to the stress of burns, which can cause the body to go into a hypermetabolic state, leading to increased heart rate as the body attempts to maintain adequate perfusion and oxygen delivery to tissues. In addition, pain, anxiety, and the shock response can further contribute to an elevated heart rate in these patients.

A heart rate below 100 beats per minute would generally be considered bradycardic in the context of burn injuries, which require close monitoring and often indicate a more stable condition. Conversely, a heart rate exceeding 120 beats per minute suggests that the patient may be experiencing more significant distress or complications, such as increased pain, hypovolemia, or even the onset of shock. Thus, the range of 100 to 120 bpm is viewed as an acceptable and expected physiological response in burn victims.