A pulse check measures heart rate by feeling arterial pulsations. It indicates cardiovascular function and assesses the circulatory system. This simple, non-invasive practice can be performed almost anywhere.
Performing a Pulse Check
Checking your pulse involves locating an artery close to the skin’s surface and counting the beats. Two common sites for this assessment are the radial artery in the wrist and the carotid artery in the neck. To begin a wrist pulse check, extend one arm with the palm facing upward. Place the index and middle fingers of your other hand on the inside of the upturned wrist, just below the base of the thumb. Apply gentle but firm pressure until a subtle, throbbing sensation becomes apparent.
For a neck pulse check, position your index and middle fingers on one side of the neck, in the soft hollow area next to the windpipe, just below the jawline. Press gently until you feel a pulse in the common carotid artery. It is important to never press on both sides of the neck simultaneously, as this can impede blood flow to the brain and potentially cause dizziness or fainting. When counting, avoid using your thumb because it possesses its own pulse, which can lead to an inaccurate reading.
Once the pulse is located, count the number of beats felt over a specific duration. A common practice is to count for 15 seconds and then multiply that number by four to determine the beats per minute (BPM). Alternatively, you can count the beats for a full 60 seconds for a more precise measurement. Maintaining consistent pressure and focusing on the beats, rather than constantly watching the clock, helps ensure accuracy.
What Your Pulse Reveals
A pulse check offers insights into heart activity. The rhythm indicates whether beats are regular or irregular. A steady, consistent tempo with equal spacing is a normal rhythm. An irregular rhythm, where beats are sporadic or uneven, might suggest an underlying heart condition.
The strength or volume of the pulse conveys information, reflecting the force of the blood being pushed through the artery with each heartbeat. A pulse can be described as strong, normal, weak, or thready. A weak or diminished pulse may indicate reduced blood flow or decreased cardiac output, while a strong or bounding pulse can suggest increased blood volume or other factors.
For adults, a typical resting heart rate falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. This range can vary based on individual factors like age, fitness level, and health. For instance, well-trained athletes often have a lower resting heart rate, sometimes as low as 40 beats per minute, due to their heart’s increased efficiency. Factors influencing heart rate include exercise, emotional states, body temperature, certain medications, and body size.
Monitoring pulse helps assess fitness levels during exercise and provides information in emergency first aid. A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or a slow heart rate (bradycardia) at rest, especially with symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath, can signal a health concern. Regularly checking one’s pulse helps stay informed about cardiovascular health and identify changes warranting medical attention.