Finding your pulse through your wrist can tell you much about your physical state, according to Medline Plus. Medical conditions can be found if changes in your heart rate occur or if your heart beats too fast or too slow. Usually, a heart rate is used to determine your level of fitness and health. Talk with your physician if you believe your heart rate may be too high or too low.
Taking Your Pulse
Medline Plus says that to find your pulse in your wrist, place your index and middle fingers of your right hand and on your wrist under your left thumb. Press into your wrist. You may have to adjust the position of your fingers to find the pulse. Your heart rate is found by counting how many times your heart beats per one minute.
Normal Heart Rates
The National Emergency Medicine Association asserts that a normal heart rate for someone who has been resting for at least 10 minutes is 60 to 90 beats per minute. Athletes and people who are in excellent physical shape may have lower heart rates, between 40 and 60 beats per minute. If your resting heart rate is above 90 or below 60 consistently or if your heart beats irregularly, you may want to consult a physician to make sure your heart is in good health.
Lowering Your Rate
According to the National Emergency Medicine Association, maintaining adequate exercise strengthens the heart muscle and allows for a lower heart rate. This means that the heart is able to pump more blood with less effort. However, talk with your family doctor or physician before beginning any exercise program.
Target Heart Rate
According to the American Heart Association, pacing yourself properly during any exercise or physical activity is important. To find out your target heart rate, subtract your age from 220. The difference is your maximum heart rate. Your pulse should never rise above that maximum heart rate. Your target heart rate is between 50 and 85 percent of your maximum heart rate, according to the American Heart Association. For example, a 25-year-old's heart heart should beat 95 to 166 times per minute for him to receive the greatest health benefits from an exercise routine.
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