How to do a Pulse Check
Why is it important to check my pulse?
Checking your pulse allows you to check that your heart rhythm is regular. It’s
can also help to detect
atrial fibrillation – an abnormal irregular
heartbeat.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs when the upper chambers of the
heart - the atria - beat irregularly and often
rapidly. This can lead to the formation of blood clots that enter
the blood stream and block circulation to the brain, causing a
stroke.
AF might cause you to have symptoms, such as shortness of
breath, dizziness or light headedness, and/or tiredness. Some
people have palpitations – this means you can ‘feel’ your
heart beat, - it may be beating normally, quickly, slowly or
irregularly or sometimes it feels like it's skipping beats.
Many people don’t have symptoms from AF but it can be detected
by performing a pulse check. If you think you have AF tell your
doctor or nurse so that it can be diagnosed, treated and monitored.
There are other causes for irregular heart rhythm and rate besides
AF, so see your doctor or nurse if you have symptoms.
How do I check my
pulse?
A pulse check is simple and easy to do. Every heartbeat creates
a wave of pressure as blood flows along the arteries. Where these
arteries lie close to the surface, this pressure wave can be felt
as a pulse.
Checking your own pulse allows you to determine your heart rate
and rhythm without any special equipment. Once you’ve mastered the
technique of checking your pulse, teach your friends and
family.
How do I check my pulse?
First, get a a clock or watch with second hand or display.
Step one: The pulse on the inside of your wrist
is called the radial pulse. Use your right index
and middle finger to check the pulse on your left arm. If you are
left-handed, use your left index finger and middle finger to check
the pulse on your right arm. Use the pads of these fingers and
place these just below the wrist creases at the base of the
thumb.
Step two: Press the radial artery that you are
trying to feel with your index finger and feel the pulsation (blood
pulsing under your fingers) with your middle finger by gently
touching the skin whilst maintaining a firm pressure with your
index finger. If necessary, move fingers around until you feel the
pulse.
Step three: As soon as you feel the pulsations,
look at your clock or watch and start counting the number of
pulsations and continue to count for one full minute.
Step four: A normal pulse rate is between
60 to 100 beats per minute. Your pulse might be
higher if you have a high temperature or fever. Athletes might have
a pulse as low as the 40s, but this is considered normal.
Step five: Besides the number of pulsations,
you should also check the rhythm or regularity of the pulse. A
normal pulse is strong and regular. An irregular
pulse may mean that you have a heart rhythm
problem, such as atrial fibrillation.
If your pulse is irregular or if it is too fast or slow, notify
your doctor or nurse.
Top tip! Don’t use your thumb if checking someone else’s
pulse, as your thumb has its own pulse.
(With thanks to Edward Cajilog our British Heart Foundation
arrhythmia specialist nurse at St Mary's Hospital, London.)
Got any questions about this page?
