Pulse rate is a measurement of the number of times a heart beats per minute. It is recorded as a number followed by "bpm" or beats per minute. The average heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. There are several ways to count your pulse.
The carotid arteries, on each side of the neck, pump blood from the heart to the brain. Feel for your pulse at the carotid artery using the pads of your index and middle fingers. Apply gentle pressure under the jaw bone, halfway between the large neck muscle and the Adam's apple (trachea) until you feel a pulse. Count the number of pulses you feel for 60 seconds to find the beats per minute. During exercise or in emergency situations, do a quick pulse check -- count your pulse for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to calculate the number of beats per minute.
The radial arteries are on the thumb side of the front of the wrist. Use the pads of your index and middle fingers and find your radius -- the forearm bone below the thumb. Move over slightly and apply gentle pressure until you feel your pulse. Record the number of pulses for 60 seconds.
The brachial artery, on the inside of the upper arm, can also be used to detect pulse rate. Place your fingertips at the midpoint of the inside of the upper arm. Maneuver your fingertips under the bulk of the biceps muscle and apply moderate pressure until you feel a pulse. Count the number of pulses in 60 seconds. The brachial pulse can be difficult to find in people with large arms; however, it is an ideal place to take a pulse in infants.
Pedal pulse can be felt on top of the foot over the dorsalis pedis artery. Place your fingertips on top of your foot between your first and second toes. Apply light pressure and slide along the top of the foot until you feel a pulse. Count the number of pulses for 60 seconds to determine beats per minute.
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