The normal heart rate for a 56-year-old patient is 60-100 beats per minute. As the patient ages, the heart rate will gradually slow down, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease, and it is recommended to control the heart rate more slowly. Patients with tachycardia are advised to take medications such as metoprolol or bisoprolol to slow their heart rate and improve myocardial ischemia. If necessary, patients are advised to have an ambulatory electrocardiogram to help assess their overall 24-hour average heart rate and to better guide their medication.