The pulse is the rhythmic throbbing felt over an artery, caused by the surge of blood pushed through the vessels with each heartbeat. Measuring this pulse is a simple, non-invasive way to determine the heart rate, which is the number of times the heart contracts in one minute. The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is the most commonly used and accessible site for checking heart rate outside of a clinical setting. This measurement provides immediate feedback about the speed and rhythm of the heart, indicating overall cardiovascular function.
Identifying the Radial Artery Location
To accurately find the radial pulse, begin by positioning one hand with the palm facing upward. The radial artery runs along the forearm and wrist on the side of the arm closest to the thumb, which is the lateral side of the limb. Gently place the tips of your index and middle fingers from your opposite hand onto the wrist just below the base of the thumb. You should feel for a slight groove or soft space in this area.
This groove is situated between the prominent bone of the forearm (the radius) and the large tendon that runs down the center of the wrist (the flexor carpi radialis tendon). The artery is relatively close to the skin’s surface here, making the pulse easy to feel with minimal pressure. If you do not immediately feel a distinct beat, slide your fingers slightly toward the center of the wrist or move them closer to the hand. A small adjustment in position can make a significant difference in detecting the pulsation.
Step-by-Step Pulse Measurement Technique
Once the location is identified, the next step is applying the correct technique to measure the heart rate. Use the pads of your index and middle fingers to press gently onto the artery, applying just enough pressure to feel the distinct pulse with each beat. It is important to avoid using the thumb for this measurement, as the thumb has a noticeable pulse of its own due to a separate artery, which can lead to an inaccurate count.
The pressure applied should be firm enough to detect the pulse but not so hard that it compresses the artery and completely stops the blood flow. Start counting the beats as soon as a stopwatch or the second hand on a clock begins moving. For the most accurate result, especially if the rhythm feels irregular, count the beats for a full 60 seconds.
A common shortcut for a regular pulse is to count the beats for 30 seconds and then multiply that number by two to calculate the beats per minute. A timepiece with a second hand or a digital stopwatch is necessary for precise timing. Note the rhythm and force of the pulse, observing whether the beats are steady and strong or irregular and weak. Any noticeable irregularity warrants a full minute count for better accuracy.
Understanding Your Heart Rate Results
The number you arrive at is the heart rate, measured in beats per minute (bpm), and interpreting this result provides insight into cardiac status. For most adults, a resting heart rate that falls between 60 and 100 bpm is considered within the normal range. Factors like age, physical fitness, body size, and certain medications can all influence an individual’s normal resting rate.
Well-conditioned endurance athletes often exhibit a lower resting heart rate, sometimes dipping into the 40 to 60 bpm range, because their hearts are more efficient at pumping blood. A consistently elevated resting rate above 100 bpm is known as tachycardia, and a rate consistently below 60 bpm is called bradycardia. While a low rate can be a sign of excellent physical fitness, an unusually high or low rate that is new or unexpected may suggest an underlying health issue.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if your pulse is consistently outside the 60 to 100 bpm range and you are not a trained athlete. Medical attention is especially important if an irregular rhythm is detected or if an abnormal heart rate is accompanied by symptoms. These symptoms include chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or fainting. Such signs suggest the heart may not be effectively circulating blood and require prompt medical evaluation.