THE PULSE

THE PULSE

You can calculate your heart rate by taking the pulse. The two easiest places to take the pulse are at the neck on the carotid artery and at the wrist on the radial artery.

At the neck

For the neck, place two fingers, the index and the middle one, on the artery on a side of the neck, near the Adam’s apple, then apply a light pressure.

Feel the pulsation under your fingers, count the beats for 10 seconds and multiply that number by 6 to get the number of beats per minute.

At the wrist

For the wrist, place two fingers, the index and the middle one, on the artery of the wrist closer to the thumb.

It may not be obvious to perceive at first.

Put light pressure. If you put too much pressure on it, the pulse won't be able topass under your finger. It will be normal in that case to feel nothing.

As you'll get it, count the beats for 10 seconds and multiply that number by 6 to get the number of beats per minute.

At the same time, pay attention to the regularity of the beat. It gives doctors invaluable additional information in the description of palpitations perceived by some patients.

The Rhythm Disturbances section will inform you about the irregularities of the heart beats, the abnormal rates and the possible treatments for those conditions (drugs, pacemaker and defibrillator).

Related articles

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The heart has its own electrical system. Its function is to synchronize the muscle contraction in an effective way.

View more