The average adult's resting pulse rate ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Your heart rate can increase for a variety of reasons, including, as you mentioned, physical activity. Other triggers, such as tension, smoking, caffeine, or alcohol consumption, are also temporary. Certain medications, such as those used to treat colds, asthma, mood disorders, and hypertension, can also increase your heart rate.
A higher-than-normal heart rate may also be the result of a severe medical condition, such as anaemia, hyperthyroidism, or heart disease. If your heart rate seems elevated and you are short of breath, dizzy, lightheaded, or weak, or if you have chest discomfort, seek immediate medical attention. In the absence of urgent symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss other potential causes of your elevated heart rate.
