The heart rate indicates the speed at which the heart beats, but it also allows you to report the state of health, the efficiency of the heart and the athletic level of a person. It might seem difficult, but checking the pulse is a simple procedure that doesn't require any special equipment; you can do it manually or with an electronic meter or heart rate monitor.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: by hand
Step 1. Get a tool to measure time as you count your heart rate
Pick up a wristwatch or find a wall clock nearby; you have to track time while counting heartbeats. Have a digital or analog clock that measures seconds handy, or look at a wall clock to measure frequency over a given period.
You can also use a stopwatch or cell phone timer
Step 2. Decide which pulse to evaluate
You can detect a pulse on the neck (carotid pulse) or on the wrist (radial pulse). Choose the area you prefer or where you have the best feeling of your heartbeat. You can also measure heart rate in the following parts of the body, although it is more difficult to feel the pulse:
- Temple;
- Groin;
- Behind the knee;
- Dorsum of the foot.
Step 3. Place your fingers in the correct position
Apply firm but not so violent pressure that you no longer feel the pulse. Bring the index and middle fingers to the neck, to the side of the trachea, to find the carotid artery; if you have decided to measure the pulse rate instead, place your two fingers between the bone and the tendon above the radial artery.
- Be careful not to press too hard on the carotid artery, otherwise you may feel dizzy.
- Find the radial artery by drawing an imaginary line with your finger from the base of the thumb towards the wrist; then feel the point between the wrist bone and the tendon where you feel a slight pulsation.
- Place the flat part of your finger on your wrist or neck to get an accurate measurement; do not use your fingertips or thumb.
Step 4. Look at the clock
Decide if you want to count the beats for 10, 15, 30 or 60 seconds; take the watch to be able to measure the time while counting the pulse.
Step 5. Count the beats
When the second hand reaches zero, it starts counting how many times the heart beats by feeling the pulses in the neck or wrist. Keep counting until the hand is on the number of seconds that corresponds to the interval you have decided to consider.
To get a more precise reading in resting conditions, relax for five minutes before proceeding; you can also detect your heart rate while you exercise, to evaluate the intensity of the effort
Step 6. Calculate your heart rate
Write down or remember the number of beats you counted; frequency is measured in number of beats per minute.
For example, if you counted 41 beats in 30 seconds, double the values and get a rate of 82 beats per minute; if you counted for 10 seconds, multiply by 6; if you counted for 15 seconds, multiply by 4
Method 2 of 2: with a heart rate monitor
Step 1. Get an electronic heart rate monitor
Opt for this device if you can't count your beats manually, if you want to detect your heart rate while exercising without stopping, or if you just want very accurate data. Purchase or rent one from a drugstore or sporting goods store. If you have it, you can use a smart watch or download an application to your mobile to measure the frequency. Here are some features that shouldn't be missing:
- Band or cuff suitable for your build;
- Simple to read monitor;
- The tool must meet your needs and fit your budget;
- Remember that smartphone applications do not always provide an accurate result.
Step 2. Connect the heart rate monitor to your body
Read the specific instructions of the device and place it in a suitable spot to detect the pulse; typically, it must be attached to the chest, finger or wrist.
Step 3. Turn it on and start the procedure
When you are ready to measure your heart rate, activate the meter and make sure the display shows "OO"; this way, you ensure accurate detection.
Step 4. Read the results
The heart rate monitor stops automatically and displays a number when it has completed the reading. Look at the display and take note of the number of beats on this specific occasion.
Save data or measurements to track frequency over time
Advice
The normal heart rate for a healthy individual is between 60 and 100 beats per minute; however, some factors, such as fitness level, emotions, build, and medications, can affect the pulse
Warnings
- Apply only gentle pressure when checking the radial or carotid pulse; if you press too hard, especially in the neck, you can feel dizzy and even faint.
- See your doctor if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats per minute.
- If it's consistently below 60 beats per minute and you're not a trained athlete, call your doctor, especially if you experience symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath.
- A normal pulse is regular and constant; if you often notice an extra or missing heartbeat, see your doctor as this could be a sign of a heart problem.
