Your pulse signals how fast your heart is pumping. The pulse is taken to ensure the heart is functioning properly and is also used as an indicator of general health. The normal pulse rate varies depending on age, but most adults should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Pulse Rate
A pulse is the number of times an individual's heart beats per minute. It is also known as the heart rate.
Taking a Pulse
The pulse can be taken at any point on the body where an artery passes close to the skin. These include the groin, temple, top of the foot and back of the knee. However, the easiest and most common spots are the wrist and neck. To properly measure the pulse, place two fingers on one of these areas and count the beats for 30 seconds, then double that number. For a proper reading of your resting pulse rate, 10 minutes of rest is required prior to measuring.
Normal Range
Healthy resting pulse rates vary by age group. Newborn infants should have a range of between 100 and 160 beats per minute and children ages 1 to 10 should have a resting pulse between 70 and 120. Children over 10 and adults should have a resting pulse range between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Maximal heart rates can also vary, even among adults. To find your maximal heart rate, subtract your age from the number 220. Using this rule-of-thumb calculation, if you are 35, your maximal heart rate is approximately 185.
Why is Pulse Taken?
An individual's pulse rate is a good indicator of his overall health. A divergence either above or below the recommended range can be a factor or symptom of a medical condition. In serious and critical emergencies, pulse rates indicate that the heart is still working and pumping blood through the body. High pulses can indicate an infection or dehydration. Athletes can use pulse rates as a tool--after exercise, the lower your heart rate the more physically fit you are.
Poor Pulse Rates
A high pulse, known as tachycardia, and a low pulse, known as bradycardia, may be signs of a health problem. If you are suffering from either of these conditions, you should consult your physcians. Irregular heart beats and a pulse that is very firm and lasts for several minutes should also be discussed. If it is hard to feel your pulse, it may indicate that the arteries are blocked. This is common in patients with diabetes and atherosclerosis.
