How can pulse be measured

Learn more. What is the pulse and how do I check it? Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Finding the pulse What is the pulse? Recording the pulse Normal readings Heart rate monitors We include products we think are useful for our readers. Finding the pulse. Share on Pinterest Take the wrist pulse for an easy way to monitor heart rate.

What is the pulse? Recording the pulse. Normal readings. Heart rate monitors. Share on Pinterest Cardiac monitors are used in hospital settings to track the vital signs of patients.

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Want to check your heart rate? At the wrist, lightly press the index and middle fingers of one hand on the opposite wrist, just below the base of the thumb. At the neck, lightly press the side of the neck, just below your jawbone. Count the number of beats in 15 seconds, and multiply by four. That's your heart rate. For a resting heart rate measurement, you should also follow these steps: Do not measure your heart rate within one to two hours after exercise or a stressful event.

Your heart rate can stay elevated after strenuous activities. Wait an hour after consuming caffeine, which can cause heart palpitations and make your heart rate rise. Do not take the reading after you have been sitting or standing for a long period, which can affect your heart rate. Print This Page Click to Print. Heart Health. You might also be interested in…. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! As you continue to exercise regularly, your heart rate will not rise as high as it once did with the same amount of effort.

This is a sign that you are becoming more fit. To learn more, see the topic Fitness. Bailey MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Top of the page. Test Overview Your pulse is the rate at which your heart beats. Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Interactive tools are designed to help people determine health risks, ideal weight, target heart rate, and more. In an emergency situation, your pulse rate can help find out if the heart is pumping enough blood.

Help find the cause of symptoms, such as an irregular or rapid heartbeat palpitations , dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Check for blood flow after an injury or when a blood vessel may be blocked. Check on medicines or diseases that cause a slow heart rate. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse every day if you have heart disease or if you are taking certain medicines that can slow your heart rate, such as digoxin or beta-blockers such as atenolol or propranolol.

Check your general health and fitness level. Checking your pulse rate at rest, during exercise, or immediately after vigorous exercise can give you important information about your overall fitness level. How To Prepare All you need to check your pulse is a watch with a second hand or a digital stop watch.

How It Is Done You can measure your pulse rate anywhere an artery comes close to the skin, such as in your wrist or neck , temple area, groin, behind the knee, or top of your foot. Gently place 2 fingers of your other hand on this artery. Do not use your thumb because it has its own pulse that you may feel. Count the beats for 30 seconds; then double the result to get the number of beats per minute.

How It Feels Checking your pulse should not cause pain.