The carotid arteries are two major blood vessels, one on each side of the neck, supplying oxygenated blood to the brain and head. For someone seeking to “check” this artery at home, the safest approach is to assess the carotid pulse, which reflects the heart’s rate and rhythm. A self-check can only provide information about your heart function and blood flow, not the presence of plaque buildup or arterial narrowing. Safely assessing your pulse requires proper technique to avoid accidentally stimulating a reflex that could cause dizziness or fainting.
Locating and Measuring Your Carotid Pulse
To ensure an accurate resting heart rate measurement, sit down and relax for a few minutes. Locate your windpipe (trachea) in the center of your neck. Slide your index and middle fingers into the soft groove on one side of it until you feel the steady, rhythmic tapping of the carotid artery pulse. Use only very light pressure, as pressing too firmly can alter the heart rate or temporarily restrict blood flow.
It is important to check only one side of the neck at a time. Never check both carotid arteries simultaneously, as this can severely reduce blood flow to the brain and cause lightheadedness or fainting. Once the pulse is located, use a watch or timer to count the number of beats felt over a 15-second period. Multiply this count by four to calculate your heart rate in beats per minute (bpm).
Interpreting Your Pulse Rate and Rhythm
For most adults, a normal resting heart rate falls within a range of 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). A heart rate consistently below 60 bpm is often found in physically fit individuals, whose hearts pump more efficiently, but it can also signal a medical concern if accompanied by symptoms. Factors such as stress, certain medications, or recent physical activity can temporarily elevate the rate above the typical range. When assessing your pulse, pay attention to both the rate and the rhythm.
A normal rhythm feels steady and consistent, like a regular drum beat. An irregular rhythm may feel like the heart is skipping a beat, fluttering rapidly, or adding extra beats. If you notice a persistently fast rate (above 100 bpm), a slow rate (below 60 bpm) without a fitness explanation, or a consistently irregular rhythm, seek medical discussion. Observing these patterns is the primary benefit of home pulse monitoring.
The Limits of Self-Assessment
The act of feeling your carotid pulse provides information about the speed and regularity of your heartbeat, but it does not diagnose arterial disease or blockages. Plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis, occurs inside the artery walls and cannot be detected by simply touching the neck. Specialized medical imaging, such as a carotid ultrasound, is required to visualize the artery’s structure, measure the degree of narrowing (stenosis), and assess the plaque itself. Therefore, a normal pulse rate does not guarantee clear arteries.
Applying excessive pressure to the neck is dangerous because it can activate the carotid sinus reflex. The carotid sinus, located near where the artery branches, contains baroreceptors that sense blood pressure. Overstimulation of these receptors can trigger a nervous system response, causing a sudden, temporary drop in heart rate (bradycardia) and blood pressure (hypotension). This reflex can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting (syncope).
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
If your self-monitoring reveals a consistently irregular pulse, or a resting rate that is persistently fast or slow, you should consult a healthcare provider for a professional evaluation. More urgently, medical attention is required if you experience symptoms that may suggest reduced blood flow to the brain, which can signal a serious carotid artery issue or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). These symptoms include sudden, unexplained dizziness or fainting, temporary vision loss in one eye, or slurred speech.
Other concerning signs include a sudden onset of weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it is on one side of the body. Any of these neurological signs, even if temporary, are considered medical emergencies and require immediate professional assessment. A doctor can perform specialized tests, including listening for a turbulent blood flow sound called a bruit, and order imaging to assess the health of your carotid arteries.