Medical knowledge, Patient Education
How to Take a Pulse
Your pulse, also known as your heart rate, is a measure of the increase in pressure inside the arteries as blood is pumped by the heart throughout the body. It can be felt in arteries near the surface of the skin and indicates how fast your heart is beating and whether it has a regular rhythm.
The heart rate is measured in beats per minute (bpm), and a normal resting heart rate varies based on age:
– Newborn to 3 months: 85-205 bpm (awake), 80-160 bpm (sleeping).
– 3 months to 2 years: 100-190 bpm (awake), 75-160 bpm (sleeping).
– 2 years to 10 years: 60-140 bpm (awake), 60-90 bpm (sleeping).
– Over 10 years: 60-100 bpm (awake), 50-90 bpm (sleeping).
Several factors can influence your pulse rate, including exercise, stress, smoking, medications, heart problems, poor circulation, and fever.
To check your pulse, you need a stopwatch or a clock/watch with a second hand. The best time to measure your resting pulse is in the morning before you start moving around. You can also check your pulse before, during, and after exercise to determine your target heart rate, which depends on your age, fitness level, and health.
To check your radial pulse (on your wrist):
1. Turn one hand palm-up and relax your arm.
2. Place two fingers of your other hand gently over your wrist, just below the base of your thumb.
3. Slowly increase pressure until you feel a pulsing beneath your fingers.
4. Count how many pulse beats you feel in 1 minute or in 30 seconds (then double the number).
To check your carotid pulse (on your neck):
1. Place two fingers just to one side of your Adam’s apple to feel a pulsing beneath your fingers.
2. Count how many pulse beats you feel in 1 minute or in 30 seconds (then double the number).
It is essential to pay attention to the rhythm of the pulse, which should be steady and even.
If you experience concerning pulse-related symptoms, contact a healthcare provider. Seek immediate help if you have a pulse that is too slow or too fast, weak or hard to find, or if you have skipped beats, irregular rhythm, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath. These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.
Remember, this information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns about your pulse or heart health, discuss them with your healthcare provider directly.
