What heart rate must an infant have to receive a score of 2 on the HR criteria of the APGAR?

In the APGAR score assessment, heart rate is a critical component used to evaluate a newborn's immediate health after birth. For an infant to receive a score of 2 on the heart rate criteria, their heart rate must be above 100 beats per minute (BPM). A heart rate this high indicates that the infant is likely transitioning well and has a good level of cardiovascular function, which is essential for their adaptation to life outside the womb.

Scores are awarded based on specific ranges: a score of 0 is given if the heart rate is absent, 1 point if it is present but below 100 BPM, and 2 points for a heart rate that exceeds 100 BPM. This scoring helps healthcare providers quickly assess and determine if any immediate medical interventions might be necessary.

In this context, a heart rate below 60 BPM falls critically low and is indicative of potential distress, while a heart rate between 60 and 100 BPM suggests moderate cardiovascular function but not sufficient for the highest score. Specifically, a heart rate of exactly 100 BPM would not warrant a score of 2, as it must exceed this threshold to reflect optimal heart function.