Pulse – norms, measurements. The causes of high and low heart rate

Proven content

Pulse is simply the number of beats your heart beats per minute. If our pulse is too high or too low, it is necessary to see a primary care physician. The pulse is measured on the radial artery, and the measurement can be made with a hand or a camera. The amount of the pulse varies depending on our age. In babies, it can be as high as 130 beats per minute.

Pulse is a colloquial term for the number of perceptible heartbeats per minute. This is the frequency of the heartbeat. The correct heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A high heart rate is over 100 beats per minute and is called tachycardia, or tachycardia. If we have less than 60 beats per minute, our pulse is too low, i.e. bradycardia. In the case of the pulse, any deviation from the norm requires further diagnostics.

Pulse – norms

The general standard of heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, keep in mind that the norms vary with age:

1. infants have a pulse of approx. 130 beats per minute,
2. older children approx. 100 beats per minute,
3. adolescents have approx. 85 beats per minute,
4. adults approx. 70 beats per minute,
5. the elderly, about 60 beats per minute.

It should be added, however, that we are talking about the pulse at rest. When we are active, our heart beats faster to deliver more oxygen to the working muscles. The harder our body works, the faster our heart beats. For example, your pulse during a sprint will be much faster than when you walk. If we exercise intensely, it is normal for our heart rate to increase to 160 beats per minute or more.

There are other things that can make your heart beat faster, such as caffeine, nicotine, drugs, and certain types of medications. The heart will also beat faster when we are under the influence of strong emotions such as anxiety, fear or excitement.

Pulse – automatic measurement

The pulse is usually examined in the radial artery, which is one of the larger arteries in the forearm. Pulse measurement can be performed while measuring blood pressure. It is good to perform such a measurement at home, in an everyday environment.

Automatic cameras are the most convenient. Wrist blood pressure monitors do not work well in this case, because they are less accurate. They are used in the case of overweight or obese people whose arm is too large in circumference.

Measure the pulse and blood pressure in a sitting position, after a few minutes of rest. Place your arm at the same height as your heart and your arm should rest. It is best to study while sitting at the table. We put on the blood pressure monitor, wrapping the cuff around the arm so that it is 3 cm above the elbow bend.

After turning on the pressure gauge, we read the measurements from the display. To be sure, it is worth taking two measurements on the same arm with an interval of 1 minute. Calculate the result by averaging both readings. If the procedure is not followed, the results may be skewed. Therefore, remember to rest before the measurement, adopt the correct body position and properly put on the cuff of the camera.

Do you want to measure your heart rate? Buy a blood pressure monitor by ordering it online. The device will measure the pulse and pressure.

Pulse – manual measurement

Method 1: Pulse on the radial artery

To check your heart rate with this method, you need to find the radial artery (lat. radial artery).

1. Place your index and middle fingers on the inside of the opposite wrist, just below your thumb.
2. Do not use your thumb to check pulse as the artery in your thumb may make it difficult to measure accurately.
3. Once you feel a pulse, count how many beats you feel in 15 seconds.
4. Multiply this number by 4 to get your heart rate. For example, 20 beats in 15 seconds corresponds to a heart rate of 80 beats per minute (bpm).

Method 2: Carotid pulse

To check the pulse using this method, you need to find the carotid artery (Latin. common carotid artery).

1. Place your index and middle fingers on the side of the trachea just below the jaw bone. You may have to move your fingers until you feel your heartbeat.
2. Count the pulse you feel for 15 seconds.
3. Multiply this number by 4 to get your heart rate.

Method 3: Pulse on the brachial artery

Another place to check the pulse is the brachial artery (lat. brachial artery). This method is most often used in young children.

1. Rotate the arm so that it is slightly bent and the inner hand points up towards the ceiling.
2. Place your index and middle fingers along the side of your upper arm, between the elbow’s crease at the top and the pointed part of the ulna at the bottom. Then move your fingers 2,5 cm up the arm. You may need to press quite hard to feel the pulse.
3. Once you feel a pulse, count how many beats there are in 15 seconds.
4. Multiply this number by 4 to get your heart rate.

Method 4: Pulse on the foot

You can also feel the pulse at the tip of your foot.

1. Place your index and middle toes over the highest point of the bone that runs along the tip of the foot. You may need to run your fingers along the bone or slightly back and forth to feel the pulse.
2. After finding a heartbeat, count your beats for 15 seconds.
3. Multiply by 4 to get your heart rate.

Why is heart rate measurement important?

Often an irregular pulse is harmless. However, it is important to get this checked by a healthcare professional as it is sometimes a sign of heart disease.

The most common type of heart rhythm disturbance is atrial fibrillation, which can put us at greater risk of stroke. Fortunately, if we have atrial fibrillation, we can take medications that will greatly reduce the risk of a stroke.

Your doctor may perform a simple EKG test (electrocardiogram) to additionally check for an irregular pulse.

Also read: The work of the heart and its disorders. What are the most common heart diseases? [WE EXPLAIN]

Pulse and palpitations

Heart palpitations are when we suddenly realize that our heart has started to beat irregularly. Sometimes you can feel it in your ears, neck, or chest when you lie down. We can feel that our heart:

1. beats too fast or too slow,
2. flaps
3. dudni.

It is not uncommon to feel your heart palpitating from time to time, and it is usually harmless. However, if you experience them on a regular basis, it is best to contact your doctor.

Causes of high heart rate

An elevated heart rate is often the result of alcohol, coffee or green tea consumption. Often a very high pulse is influenced by stress, emotions or physical exertion. It can then reach even 180-200 beats per minute. This condition is known as sinus tachycardia.

It is a natural and correct reaction of the body, resulting from the metabolic needs. However, it may be pathological. The pathological causes of tachycardia include:

1. heart defects;
2. hypoxia;
3. heart failure;
4. circulatory failure;
5. anemia;
6. fever, infections;
7. blood loss;
8. dehydration;
9. hyperthyroidism;
10. hypoglycemia.

Pulse can be lowered with medications that regulate the heart’s work. You can also try relaxation techniques that will lower our pulse. If the high pulse occurs for no apparent reason, see your doctor and get the appropriate tests. In order to regulate the pulse, you can also use dietary supplements, such as CardioPulse – Doctor Life dietary supplement.

Another device that allows you to measure the pulse, but also to measure blood saturation at home, is the pulse oximeter – the device is available in the Medonet Market offer. We also recommend the Vitammy o2 connect pulse oximeter with Bluetooth.

Low pulse – causes

Low heart rate often occurs in athletes. In other cases, its causes include:

1. taking medicines,
2. Hypothyroidism,
3. metabolic disorders,
4. heart diseases,
5. sick sinus syndrome,
6. nervous system diseases.

Low pulse makes us feel weak, dizzy and short of breath.

If your pulse measurement results are abnormal, consult your doctor. This can be done by arranging an e-appointment with a doctor who will discuss the problem with the patient without going to the clinic.

Do your symptoms require medical consultation? Check it out for yourself in a short medical interview.