A pulse is a palpable measure of your heart rate, representing the number of times your heart beats in one minute. This sensation occurs when the heart contracts, pushing blood through the arteries and causing them to expand and contract. Monitoring this rate is a simple, non-invasive way to track cardiovascular health, gauge physical fitness, and identify potential changes in your body’s condition. The radial artery in the wrist is one of the most common and accessible sites for measurement.
Identifying the Radial Pulse Site
To begin, turn one hand so the palm is facing upward, allowing easy access to the wrist area. The radial artery runs along the side of the wrist closest to your thumb, over the radius bone. Use the index and middle fingers of your opposite hand to locate the pulse. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own distinct pulse that could lead to an inaccurate reading.
Place the pads of your index and middle fingers in the groove just below the wrist crease, on the thumb side. This area is a slight hollow between the bone and the tendon. Apply only gentle pressure, enough to clearly feel the rhythmic throbbing of the artery beneath your fingertips. Pressing too hard can stop the blood flow and make counting impossible.
If the pulse is hard to find, move your fingers slightly, adjusting the pressure until the beat is distinct. A light touch is essential to detect the pulsation accurately. Once the consistent beat is located, keep your fingers steady and prepare to start the measurement using a timepiece.
The Counting Procedure
You will need a watch or timer with a second hand to accurately time the count while your fingers remain gently placed on the artery. Begin counting the beats the moment the second hand hits an easily trackable mark. It is standard practice to start the count at zero for the first beat felt.
Beyond the number of beats, pay attention to the quality of the pulse. Note the rhythm, observing if the beats are evenly spaced or irregular. Also, assess the strength of the beat, determining if the pulse feels weak, strong, or bounding.
Counting for a full 60 seconds provides the most accurate reading, especially if the rhythm is irregular. However, shorter intervals like 15 or 30 seconds are often used for convenience. Be aware that using shorter intervals amplifies any small counting error, increasing the variability in the final result.
Interpreting the Results
After counting the number of beats within a specific time frame, a simple calculation is required to convert the count into Beats Per Minute (BPM). If you counted the pulse for 15 seconds, multiply the total number of beats by four to determine the heart rate. If you chose a 30-second interval, multiply your total count by two.
The resulting number represents your heart rate in BPM, which is compared to general reference ranges. For most healthy adults over age 10, a normal resting heart rate falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Highly conditioned athletes may have a resting rate as low as 40 BPM.
A consistently high resting rate (tachycardia) or a consistently low rate (bradycardia) can indicate an underlying health issue. If your pulse is regularly outside the 60 to 100 BPM range, or if the rhythm is highly irregular, consult a healthcare professional. Seek medical guidance if a low rate is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath.