The pulse (also known as Heart rate; Heart beat) is the number of heart beats per minute.
How a Pulse Test is Performed
The pulse can be determined at areas where an artery passes close to the skin. These areas consist of the:
- Back of the knees
- Groin
- Neck
- Temple
- Leading or inner side of the foot
- Wrist
To determine the pulse at the wrist, put the index and middle finger over the underside of the opposite wrist, listed below the base of the thumb. Press with flat fingers up until you feel the pulse.
To measure the pulse on the neck, place the index and middle fingers simply to the side of the Adam’s apple, in the soft, hollow area. Press gently until you locate the pulse.
Keep in mind: Sit or rest before taking the neck pulse. The neck arteries in some people are sensitive to pressure. Fainting or slowing of the heart beat can result. Likewise, do not take the pulses on both sides of the neck at the very same time. Doing so can slow the circulation of blood to the head and cause fainting.
Once you find the pulse, count the beats for 1 complete minute. Or count the beats for 30 seconds and increase by 2. This will provide the beats per minute.
How to Prepare for Pulse Check?
To figure out the resting heart rate, you should have been resting for at least 10 minutes. Take the exercise heart rate while you are exercising.
How the Test will Feel
There is a slight pressure from the fingers.
Why the Pulse Check is Performed
Determining the pulse offers crucial information about your health. Any modification from your normal heart rate can indicate a health problem. Fast pulse may indicate an infection or dehydration. In emergency situation situations, the pulse rate can assist identify if the patient’s heart is pumping.
Pulse measurement has other uses as well. During or instantly after exercise, the pulse rate offers information about your fitness level and health.
Normal Heart Rate for Newborns, Children, Adults and Athletes
For resting heart rate:
Normal (Resting) Heart Rate by Age Chart | |
Age | Pulse (beats per minute) |
Newborns 0 to 1 month old | 70 to 190 |
Babies 1 to 11 months old | 80 to 160 |
Children 1 to 2 years old | 80 to 130 |
Children 3 to 4 years of ages | 80 to 120 |
Children 5 to 6 years of ages | 75 to 115 |
Children 7 to 9 years of ages | 70 to 110 |
Children 10 years and older, and adults (including seniors) | 60 to 100 |
Well-trained athletes | 40 to 60 |
What Abnormal Heart Rate Results Mean
Resting heart rates that are continuously high (tachycardia) may mean a problem. Talk with a health care provider about this. Also talk about resting heart rates that are listed below the normal values (bradycardia).
A pulse that is extremely firm (bounding pulse) and that lasts for more than a few minutes must be examined by your company also. An irregular pulse can also show an issue.
A pulse that is tough to find may indicate clogs in the artery. These obstructions prevail in people with diabetes or hardening of the artery from high cholesterol. Your supplier might order a test called a Doppler research study to inspect the clogs.
According to Wikipedia:
Major Factors Increasing Heart Rate
Factor | Effect |
---|---|
Cardioaccelerator nerves | Release of norepinephrine |
Proprioreceptors | Increased rates of firing during exercise |
Chemoreceptors | Decreased levels of O2; increased levels of H+, CO2, and lactic acid |
Baroreceptors | Decreased rates of firing, indicating falling blood volume/pressure |
Limbic system | Anticipation of physical exercise or strong emotions |
Catecholamines | Increased epinephrine and norepinephrine |
Thyroid hormones | Increased T3 and T4 |
Calcium | Increased Ca2+ |
Potassium | Decreased K+ |
Sodium | Decreased Na+ |
Body temperature | Increased body temperature |
Nicotine and caffeine | Stimulants, increasing heart rate |
Factors decreasing heart rate
Factor | Effect |
---|---|
Cardioinhibitor nerves (vagus) | Release of acetylcholine |
Proprioreceptors | Decreased rates of firing following exercise |
Chemoreceptors | Increased levels of O2; decreased levels of H+ and CO2 |
Baroreceptors | Increased rates of firing, indicating higher blood volume/pressure |
Limbic system | Anticipation of relaxation |
Catecholamines | Decreased epinephrine and norepinephrine |
Thyroid hormones | Decreased T3 and T4 |
Calcium | Decreased Ca2+ |
Potassium | Increased K+ |
Sodium | Decreased Na+ |
Body temperature | Decrease in body temperature |