Heart rate control refers to the body's ability to regulate the number of times the heart beats per minute. This process is influenced by various factors, including physical activity, stress, and hormonal changes. The heart rate can increase during exercise to supply more oxygen to the muscles and decrease during rest to conserve energy. The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in heart rate control, with two main components: the sympathetic nervous system, which speeds up the heart rate, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows it down. Maintaining a healthy heart rate is essential for overall cardiovascular health and can be affected by lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise.