How to Take Your Pulse
As more and more people are monitoring their health, there is a need to know how to take your pulse correctly and accurately. There are multiple points on your body to take your pulse. However, the two easiest sites are located at the radial artery and the corrupted artery. The radial artery is located inside of your wrist. The corrupted artery is located on the side of your neck. To locate the radial artery:
- Hold your hand palm side up.
- Turn your hand slightly to look at your thumb.
- Follow the line from your thumb nail past your wrist.
- Keep following this line until you feel a soft indention. This point is at the radial artery.
- You should feel a rebounding sensation which is your pulse.
- If you cannot easily feel your pulse, try using the other hand. Usually, your dominant hand easier to feel your pulse. To locate the correct point on your corrupted artery:
- Follow a line from either your right or left earlobe to the Adam’s apple area of your neck.
- Keep following this line until you feel a rebounding sensation which is your pulse. This location is anywhere from two to four inches from your earlobe.
To take your pulse:
- Remember that your pulse is measuring number of heartbeats per minute. A clock with a secondhand or stopwatch is necessary.
- Using two fingers, press on either the radial or corrupted arteries. Press gently until you feel your heartbeat.
- Count the number of heartbeats for one minute. Another option is to count the number of heartbeats for fifteen seconds and multiply that number by four.
- The final number is your pulse. By knowing how to take your pulse accurately, people can better monitor their health.
Monitoring your pulse can provide useful information to make exercise programs more efficient. One should note that a baseline pulse may lower with consistent exercise. It is important to note that the average pulse varies from men to women. Any concerns about your pulse should be discussed with your health care provider.
