A pulse represents the rhythmic expansion of an artery wall as the heart pumps blood through the body’s vascular network, creating a wave of pressure with each contraction. Checking a pulse provides a simple, immediate assessment of the heart rate, measured as beats per minute, and the heart’s rhythm. This measurement offers a quick, non-invasive way to gauge overall cardiovascular health and is frequently used during routine health checks or in emergency situations.
Locating the Radial Pulse
The radial pulse is typically the easiest and most common site for a self-assessment of heart rate. To locate it, turn one hand so the palm faces upward, exposing the inner wrist. The radial artery runs along the thumb side of the wrist, near the radius bone.
Use the pads of your index and middle fingers from your opposite hand to feel for the pulse in this groove. Avoid using your thumb because it has its own strong pulse, which could lead to an inaccurate count. Apply gentle but firm pressure to compress the artery slightly against the underlying bone.
If you cannot immediately feel the pulsation, try moving your fingers slightly toward the center of the wrist or varying the pressure. Apply just enough pressure to feel the distinct, subtle throbbing sensation.
Locating the Carotid Pulse
When the radial pulse is difficult to find, such as in an emergency or when blood flow to the extremities is compromised, the carotid pulse in the neck is the next preferred site. The carotid arteries are large vessels that supply blood directly to the brain, making their pulse stronger and more reliable. To find this pulse, place your index and middle fingers on the side of the neck, in the soft groove between the windpipe (trachea) and the large neck muscle (sternocleidomastoid).
The pulse is usually found at the level of the cricoid cartilage, about midway up the neck. Apply a very light pressure to feel the pulsation. Never press on the arteries on both sides of the neck at the same time, as this can severely restrict blood flow to the brain and potentially cause dizziness or fainting.
Pressing too hard on the carotid artery can also stimulate the carotid sinus, which can reflexively slow the heart rate. Therefore, the pressure applied should be minimal, just enough to detect the pulse wave.
Determining the Heart Rate
Once you have successfully located the pulse, you must time the beats to calculate the heart rate, expressed in beats per minute (bpm). The most accurate method for determining the rate is to count the pulsations for a full 60 seconds. For an adult with a noticeably regular rhythm, a common and efficient alternative is to count the beats for 30 seconds and then multiply that number by two.
The pulse count also allows for an assessment of the heart’s rhythm, noting whether the beats are regular and evenly spaced or if they follow an irregular pattern. For the average adult at rest, a normal heart rate typically falls within the range of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Athletes or highly fit individuals may have a lower resting rate, sometimes closer to 40 bpm, due to a more efficient heart muscle.
If the measured rate is consistently outside of the 60 to 100 bpm range, or if the rhythm is significantly irregular, it is advisable to seek medical guidance. A consistently high rate (tachycardia) or a low rate (bradycardia) can indicate an underlying health issue. If you are unable to find a pulse at all on a person who is unconscious or unresponsive, this may signal a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.