The pulse is the rhythmic throbbing felt as blood surges through an artery each time the heart beats. Checking the pulse provides an immediate measurement of the heart rate. While the pulse can be felt in several locations, the neck offers access to the carotid artery, one of the body’s largest and most reliable arteries. The strength of the pulse here makes it a common site for quickly assessing circulation.
Locating the Carotid Artery
The pulse felt in the neck originates from the carotid artery, a major blood vessel delivering oxygenated blood to the brain and head. This artery runs up both sides of the neck within a distinct groove. To find the location, first identify the trachea (windpipe) in the center of the throat.
The carotid artery is positioned just to the side of the trachea, in the space between the windpipe and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The most reliable spot to feel the pulsation is generally level with the cricoid cartilage, which is the ring-shaped cartilage midway up the neck. The artery’s superficial position and large size allow for easy detection of the pulse.
Technique for Checking Your Neck Pulse
To check the pulse, use the pads of your index and middle fingers, avoiding the thumb which has its own pulse. Place these two fingers gently into the groove next to the windpipe, just under the jawline. Apply only light pressure; pressing too hard can compress the artery, obstructing blood flow or triggering a reflex that slows the heart rate.
Once the pulsation is located, count the number of beats felt over 15 seconds. To determine the beats per minute, multiply that count by four. For example, 20 beats in 15 seconds equals a heart rate of 80 beats per minute.
Safety Precautions
It is necessary to check only one side of the neck at a time. Applying pressure to both carotid arteries simultaneously severely restricts blood flow to the brain, risking dizziness or fainting. Also, avoid pressing on the upper third of the neck where the carotid sinus is located, as pressure here can cause a sudden drop in heart rate.
When to Use the Carotid Pulse Site
The carotid pulse is often the first choice for checking circulation in emergency situations, particularly when assessing an unconscious person. Its proximity to the heart means the pulse remains detectable even when blood pressure is low or circulation is weak. Peripheral pulses, such as the radial pulse at the wrist, may become too faint to feel when circulation is compromised.
Medical professionals rely on this site because a palpable carotid pulse suggests the heart is generating enough pressure to circulate blood to the brain. For instance, checking for the carotid pulse in an unresponsive adult is a key step in deciding whether to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The carotid pulse is a suitable indicator of central circulation.