Understanding Pulse: Definition, Measurement, Normal Ranges, and Health Indicators

Definition

The pulse represents the heart's beats per minute.

How to Perform

To measure a pulse, one needs to locate an artery that passes close to the skin. Common sites include:

• The back of the knees

• The groin area

• The neck Adam’s apple region

• The temple

• Top or inner side of the foot

• Wrist

To assess a wrist pulse: Place your index and middle fingers at the underside of your opposite wrist, below the base of the thumb. Apply gentle pressure until you feel the beat.

For a neck pulse: Position the fingers next to the Adam’s apple, in the hollow area on either side of the throat. Gently apply pressure to sense the pulse.

Important Precautions:

• Before taking a resting heart rate, ensure you have been at rest for at least 10 minutes.

• Do not take both neck pulses simultaneously; this might lead to inadequate blood flow to the head and cause fnting.

To measure: Count the beats for either one full minute or for a duration of thirty seconds followed by multiplication by two.

Normal Values

A typical resting heart rate varies as follows:

• Newborns 0-1 month: 70 - 190 beats per minute

• Infants and toddlers: typically below 120 BPM

• Children ages 3 to 5 years: about 80-116 BPM

• Adolescents: around 80 BPM

• Adults ages 18-64: usually between 60-100 BPM

Abnormalities

An elevated pulse rate may signal a health issue, and a decreased rate might warrant further investigation. A strong or bounding pulse lasting more than a few minutes should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.

In addition to these physical findings, an irregular pulse can indicate underlying heart problems. A difficult-to-find pulse could suggest arterial blockages common in diabetes or arteriosclerosis related to high cholesterol levels; further evaluation might require Doppler ultrasound testing.

References

• Bernstein D. 2020. History and Physical Examination in Cardiac Evaluation. In Kliegman RM, St Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM Eds., Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st edition. Elsevier: Chapter 449.

• Schriger DL. 2020. Approach to the Patient with Abnormal Vital Signs. In Goldman L, SchaferEds., Goldman-Cecil Medicine, 26th edition. Elsevier: Chapter 7.

Revision Date: February 2nd, 2023

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