An arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat, where the heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an inconsistent rhythm. While some variations in heart rate are normal, especially with physical activity or rest, frequent or persistent irregularities can indicate an underlying issue with the heart’s electrical signals. Monitoring heart rhythm at home offers a way to become more aware of your body and track potential changes.
What a Healthy Heartbeat Feels Like
A healthy heartbeat maintains a regular rhythm, similar to a steady drumbeat. The normal resting heart rate for adults falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). This rate can fluctuate based on age, fitness level, emotions, and body position. For instance, a well-trained athlete might have a lower resting heart rate, sometimes as low as 40 bpm, while a normal heart rate during sleep can be around 40-50 bpm.
When your heart beats irregularly, you might experience sensations such as fluttering, pounding, racing, or skipped beats. A heart beating too slowly might lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, or fatigue, as the body may not receive enough oxygen. While occasional skipped beats can be harmless, frequent or concerning sensations warrant further attention.
How to Manually Check Your Pulse
Checking your pulse manually is a direct and accessible way to assess your heart’s rhythm and rate. The radial artery in your wrist is a common and convenient site for this. To find it, turn one hand palm-up and place your index and middle fingers on the underside of the wrist, just below the base of the thumb. Apply gentle pressure until you feel a rhythmic pulsation. It is important to use your index and middle fingers, not your thumb, as the thumb has its own pulse that could lead to an inaccurate reading.
Once you locate the pulse, count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to calculate your beats per minute. Alternatively, count for a full minute for a more precise reading. As you count, pay attention to the regularity of the beats; a healthy pulse should feel consistently spaced. If you notice an irregular pattern, make a note of it.
Another location to check your pulse is the carotid artery in your neck. Place your index and middle fingers gently on one side of your neck, just below the jawline and next to your windpipe. Press lightly until you feel the pulse. Never press on both carotid arteries at the same time, as this can reduce blood flow to the brain and cause dizziness or fainting.
Leveraging Technology for Home Monitoring
Beyond manual checks, various technological tools offer home monitoring for heart rhythm. Many modern blood pressure monitors include features that detect irregular heartbeats during a reading. These devices often alert you with a specific symbol if an irregular pulse is identified, with some distinguishing between general irregular heartbeats and patterns suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib). While highly sensitive for detecting AFib, their specificity for other arrhythmias might vary.
Smartwatches and fitness trackers have become prevalent for heart rate monitoring. Most use photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, which measures blood flow changes to estimate heart rate and identify irregular pulse patterns. Some advanced smartwatches also offer on-demand single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality, which records the heart’s electrical activity, providing more detailed rhythm information. While useful for detecting irregularities like AFib with high accuracy, consumer-grade devices may have limitations in precisely diagnosing all types of arrhythmias.
Personal handheld ECG devices provide a focused approach to rhythm monitoring. These portable tools capture electrical signals from the heart, similar to a medical ECG, and can often detect specific arrhythmias. They are useful for capturing sporadic or infrequent events that might be missed during a brief doctor’s visit. These devices are user-friendly, allowing individuals to record and share their heart’s electrical activity with healthcare providers for further analysis.
Interpreting Your Findings and Next Steps
After checking your heart rhythm at home, documenting your findings is useful. Note the date, time, your heart rate, and any observed irregularities, such as skipped beats, a racing sensation, or an unusually slow rhythm. Include any symptoms experienced at the time, like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. This record can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
If you experience persistent or frequent irregular heartbeats, especially if they last for several minutes or occur frequently without an apparent cause, discuss these findings with a doctor at a regular appointment. However, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if an irregular heartbeat is accompanied by severe chest pain, significant shortness of breath, sudden dizziness or fainting, or a loss of consciousness. These symptoms may signal a more serious underlying condition. Remember, home monitoring is a tool for personal awareness and data collection, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.