How to Check Your Pulse

Pulse, in medical terms, is defined as the number of times the heart beats per minute. It is also known as heart rate, or pulse rate, and the unit is expressed in BPM (beats per minute). Keeping track of your normal heart rate is one of the reliable ways which can help you stay aware of your cardiovascular health.

The instructions are as follows:

• To begin with, place three fingers of one hand, at the base of thumb of the other, where the wrists creases end. Remember to place only the pads of the fingers.

• Now a pulse would feel as a throbbing sensation. So try to feel this sensation by lightly pressing the pads. You may not find it at one go, so keep looking for it by moving around the fingers.

• Once you know how to check your pulse, you can measure it as well. For this you would require a clock or watch with a second hand. Now all you have to do is to count the number of pulses (throbbing sensation) that occur in a span of 1 minute. 

For instance, as soon as the second hand of the clock leaves the number 12 in the clock or watch, you start counting the pulse. And after a minute, you stop, and end with a number 60. So 60 bpm is your normal heart rate.

• Alternatively, you can also check your pulse without using your wrist. For this you have to place your index and middle finger on the right or left side of your neck under the jaw. And then, press with a gentle force until you can feel the pulse. Here, the pulse can be felt more prominently. And then you can get your watch, and measure your normal heart rate.

For an adult the normal heart rate at rest ranges from 60 - 100 beats per minute. And if you are an athlete, then your measurement must be near 40 beats per minute. So this implies that a lower heart rate at rest means the heart is not in a stressed condition, which implies that you have a better heart function and cardiovascular fitness.

Also, there are several factors that can influence the heart rate. They may include state of health, air temperature, altitude, position of the body, size of the body, and even emotional triggers. Even use of certain medications may change the normal measure, and so can the level of activity the person is indulged in.

Also as an additional information, most people wonder if resting heart rate is different from normal heart rate. The fact is, pulse measured when the person is at rest, gives the most accurate heart rate of the individual. So if you are thinking about how to check your resting heart rate, then the best time would be 5 or 10 minutes after you wake up in the morning.

Although it has been said that a lower heart rate is a sign of good health, if you are not an athlete and your heart rate is consistently below 60, then it is better to consult your healthcare provider. Also, a doctor's advice becomes more important if your pulse is persistently above 100 bpm. Keep well!