TAKE YOUR PULSE
What is your pulse?
Your pulse is your heart rate, or the number of times your
heart beats in one minute. Pulse rates vary from person
to person. Your pulse is lower when you are at rest and
increases when you exercise. Knowing how to take your
pulse can help you.
How to take your pulse
it could
SAVE YOUR LIFE
An irregular pulse can make
strokes more likely.
If your pulse is uneven, please tell your
doctor or nurse as soon as possible.
Step 1
Bend your arm at the elbow and lift it with palm facing
up.
Step 2
Press the middle and index fingers lightly on your wrist
area below your thumb until you feel your pulse. This
area is where the radial artery is located. Move your
fingers, if necessary, to find the pulse.
Step 3
Count the number of pulse beats for one minute. Use a
stopwatch or the second hand of a watch or clock to
time yourself. OR count the beats you feel for 15 seconds, then multiply this number by 4 to get your heart
rate (pulse) per minute.
Count your pulse: _____ beats in 15 seconds x 4 = _____
beats/minute
What is a normal pulse?
Normal Heart Rates at Rest:
Adults (age 18 and over) 60 – 100 beats per minute,
can vary due medications or medical conditions.