Definition
The pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.
Alternative Names
Heart rate; Heart beat
How the Test is Performed
The pulse can be measured at the:
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Back of the knees
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Groin
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Neck
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Temple
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Top or inner side of the foot
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Wrist
In these areas, an artery passes close to the skin.
To measure the pulse at the wrist, place the index and middle finger over the underside of the opposite wrist, below the base of the thumb. Press with flat fingers until you feel the pulse.
To measure the pulse on the neck, place the index and middle fingers just to the side of the Adam’s apple, in the soft, hollow area. Press gently until you locate the pulse. Note: Sit or lie down before taking the neck pulse. The neck arteries in some people are sensitive to pressure. Fainting or slowing of the heartbeat can result. Also, do not take the pulses on both sides of the neck at the same time. Doing so can slow the flow of blood to the head and lead to fainting.
Once you find the pulse, count the beats for 1 full minute. Or count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. This will give the beats per minute.
How to Prepare for the Test
To determine the resting heart rate, you must 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 Test is Performed
Measuring the pulse gives important information about your health. Any change from your normal heart rate can indicate a medical condition. Fast pulse may signal an infection or
Pulse measurement has other uses as well. During or immediately after exercise, the pulse rate gives information about your fitness level and health.
Normal Results
For resting heart rate:
- Newborns 0 – 1 month old: 70 – 190 beats per minute
- Infants 1 – 11 months old: 80 – 160 beats per minute
- Children 1 – 2 years old: 80 – 130 beats per minute
- Children 3 – 4 years old: 80 – 120 beats per minute
- Children 5 – 6 years old: 75 – 115 beats per minute
- Children 7 – 9 years old: 70 – 110 beats per minute
- Children 10 years and older, and adults (including seniors): 60 – 100 beats per minute
- Well-trained athletes: 40 – 60 beats per minute
What Abnormal Results Mean
Resting heart rates that are continually high (
A pulse that is very firm (
A pulse that is hard to locate may mean blockages in the artery. These blockages are common in people with diabetes or