The pulse is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery that occurs as the heart pumps blood through the circulatory system. This physical sensation, which can be felt at various points on the body, serves as a measure of the heart’s function and overall cardiovascular status. Checking a pulse provides two pieces of information: the rate, or how many times the heart beats per minute, and the rhythm, or whether the heartbeats are regular or irregular. Monitoring these characteristics is a simple way to gain insight into the body’s health.
Primary Locations for Pulse Measurement
The most common and easily accessible location for a routine pulse check is the radial artery, found on the thumb side of the wrist. This artery lies close to the skin’s surface, resting over the radial bone, making the pulse simple to locate with light pressure. To find it, place your fingers in the groove between the wrist bone and the tendons on the inner wrist.
Another readily palpable site is the carotid artery, located in the neck, alongside the windpipe. To check this pulse, gently place your fingers in the groove on either side of the neck, just below the jawline. The brachial artery, situated on the inside of the upper arm near the elbow, is often used for blood pressure measurement and is the preferred site for checking an infant’s pulse. When assessing the carotid pulse, check only one side of the neck at a time to avoid restricting blood flow to the brain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking a Pulse
Have the person sit or lie down comfortably and rest their arm with the palm facing upward. To accurately feel the pulse, use the tips of your index and middle fingers, avoiding the thumb, which has its own noticeable pulse that could confuse the count. Gently place these two fingers on the radial artery, in the slight depression on the inner wrist.
Apply a light but firm pressure until you feel a distinct, rhythmic throbbing beneath your fingertips. If you press too hard, you may block the blood flow, making the pulse difficult to detect. Once the pulse is located, use a watch or clock with a second hand or a stopwatch to time the counting period.
For the most accurate measurement, especially if the rhythm feels irregular, count the number of beats felt for a full 60 seconds. If the pulse is clearly regular, count the beats for 30 seconds and then multiply that number by two to determine the beats per minute. This resulting number represents the pulse rate in beats per minute (bpm).
Interpreting the Pulse Rate and Rhythm
For most adults, a resting heart rate that falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered within the normal range. A lower resting rate, sometimes in the 40s or 50s, may indicate a high level of physical fitness, as a stronger heart muscle can pump blood more efficiently. Factors like stress, illness, recent exercise, or certain medications can cause temporary fluctuations outside this range.
Beyond the simple number, the rhythm and strength of the pulse offer additional information about heart function. A healthy pulse should feel regular and steady, while an irregular rhythm can suggest an underlying condition like an arrhythmia. The strength of the pulse is also assessed, ranging from a strong, bounding pulse to one that is weak or thready, which can be an indicator of circulatory status. Consistently having a resting heart rate below 60 bpm (if not an athlete) or above 100 bpm should prompt a conversation with a healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or fainting.