- Pulse rates vary from person to person. The normal pulse rate of an adult at rest may range from 50 to 85 beats per minute, although the average rate is about 70 to 72 for men and 78 to 82 for women.
- Pulse surveys give organizations the freedom to measure whatever they think is important to measure on a regular basis. In our experience, the term “pulse” is often used to refer to everything that’s not an annual or bi-annual engagement survey.
Pulse (or the count of arterial pulse per minute) is equivalent to measuring the heart rate. The heart rate can also be measured by listening to the heart beat by auscultation, traditionally using a stethoscope and counting it for a minute. The radial pulse is commonly measured using three fingers. Normal Range The normal pulse rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Checking your pulse. When you find your pulse, either: count the number of beats you feel for 60 seconds; count the number for 30 seconds and multiply by 2; This gives you your heart rate – the number of times your heart beats per minute (bpm). You can also check if your pulse is regular or irregular by feeling its rhythm for about 30 seconds.
Learn how to check pulse points in this nursing assessment review.
We will review 9 common pulse points on the human body. As a nurse you will be assessing many of these pulse points regularly, while others you will only assess at certain times.
When you assess a pulse point you will be assessing:
- Rate: count the pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 if the pulse rate is regular, OR 1 full minute if the pulse rate is irregular.
- Always count the apical pulse for 1 full minute.
- A normal pulse rate in an adult is 60-100 bpm.
- Strength: grade the strength of the pulse and check the pulse points bilaterally and compare them. NOTE: always check the carotid pulse points individually (not at the same time) to avoid stimulating the vagal response.
- 0: absent
- 1+: weak
- 2+: normal
- 3+: bounding
- Rhythm: is the pulse regular or irregular
9 Common Pulse Points (start from head-to-toe…this makes it easier when you have to perform this skill)
- Temporal
- Carotid
- Apical
- Brachial
- Radial
- Femoral
- Popliteal
- Posterior Tibial
- Dorsalis Pedis
Pulse Points Demonstration
Temporal
This artery comes off of the external carotid artery and is found in front of the tragus and above the zygomatic arch (cheekbone). This pulse point is assessed during the head-to-toe assessment of the head.
Carotid
This site is most commonly used during CPR in an adult as a pulse check site. It is a major artery that supplies the neck, face, and brain. As noted above, palpate one side at a time to prevent triggering the vagus nerve, which will decrease the heart rate and circulation to the brain.
To find the carotid pulse point, tilt the head to the side and palpate below the jaw line between the trachea and sternomastoid muscle.
Apical
This site is assessed during the head-to-toe assessment and before the administration of Digoxin. The pulse rate should be 60 bpm or greater in an adult before the administration of Digoxin. Always count the pulse rate for 1 full minute with your stethoscope at this location.
The apical pulse is the point of maximal impulse and is found at the apex of the heart. It is located on the left side of the chest at the 5th intercostal space midclavicular line.
To find the pulse point:
- Locate the sternal notch
- Palpate down the Angle of Louis
- Find the 2nd intercostal space on the left side of the chest
- Go to the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line and this is the apical pulse point
Brachial
This is a major artery in the upper arm that divides into the radial and ulnar artery. This site is used to measure blood pressure and as a pulse check site on an infant during CPR.
To find this pulse point, extend the arm and have the palms facing upward. The pulse point is found near the top of the cubital fossa, which is a triangular area that is in front of the elbow.
Radial
This is a major artery in the lower arm that comes off of the brachial artery. It provides circulation to the arm and hand. It is most commonly used as the site to count a heart rate in an adult.
To find this pulse point, extend the arm out and have the palms facing upward. It is found below the thumb in the wrist area along the radial bone.
Femoral
This is a major artery found in the groin and it provides circulation to the legs. This artery is palpated deeply in the groin below the inguinal ligament between the pubic symphysis and anterior superior iliac spine.
Popliteal
This artery is found behind the knee and comes off of the femoral artery. It is a rather deep artery like the femoral.
To find the artery, the knee should be flexed. It is located near the middle of the popliteal fossa, which is a diamond-shaped pitted area behind the knee. Use two hands to palpate the artery…one hand assisting to flex the knee and the other to palpate the artery.
Posterior Tibial
This pulse point, along with the dorsal pedis, is assessed during the head-to-toe assessment and is particularly important in patients who have peripheral vascular disease or a vascular procedure (example: heart catheterization when the femoral artery was used to assess the heart).
The posterior tibial pulse point is found on the inside of the ankle between the medial malleolus (bony part of the ankle bone) and Achilles tendon.
Dorsalis Pedis
To find this artery, locate the EHL (extensor hallucis longus) tendon by having the patient extend the big toe. Then palpate down this tendon and when you come to end of it, go to the side of the tendon and you will find this pulse point.
Published : 2011-06-09 - Updated : 2020-12-19
Author : Disabled World - Contact: Disabled World (www.disabled-world.com)
Synopsis* : Instructions on how to check your pulse rate, includes chart of what your beats per minute (BPM) should be for children and adults. Your pulse is usually called your heart rate, which is the number of times your heart beats each minute (bpm). The normal resting pulse rate for humans is usually around 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Main Digest
By checking your pulse, and comparing the resulting beats per minute (BPM) using the pulse rate chart below, you can find out how well your heart is working, as well as your general health and fitness levels.
What exactly is pulse rate defined as?
Your pulse is defined as the rate at which your heart beats. Your pulse is usually called your heart rate, which is the number of times your heart beats each minute (bpm). The pulse may be palpated in any place that allows an artery to be compressed against a bone, such as at the neck (carotid artery), at the wrist (radial artery), behind the knee (popliteal artery), on the inside of the elbow (brachial artery), and near the ankle joint (posterior tibial artery). The pulse can also be measured by listening to the heart beat directly (auscultation), traditionally using a stethoscope. You check your pulse rate by counting the beats in a set period of time (at least 15 to 20 seconds) and multiplying that number to get the number of beats per minute.
Pulse rates vary from person to person. The normal pulse rate for humans is usually 60 to 100 beats per minute, however, there are certain medical conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia which may alter the normal pulse rate of an individual. Other influencing factors include your age, gender and fitness level.
Checking pulse rate on the wrist
How To Check Your Pulse Rate
Human Pulse Locations In Body
You can measure your pulse rate anywhere an artery comes close to the skin, such as in your wrist, neck, temple area, groin, behind the knee, or top of your foot.
- Wrist: You can check your pulse rate by placing tips of your index, second and third fingers on the palm side of your other wrist, below the base of the thumb or on your lower neck, on either side of your windpipe. Do not use your thumb because it has its own pulse that you may feel.
- Carotid Artery: This is located in your neck, on either side of your windpipe. Be careful when checking your pulse in this location, especially if you are older than 65. If you press too hard, you may become lightheaded and dizzy.
- Heart Beat: Your pulse can also be measured by listening to the heart beat directly (auscultation), traditionally using a stethoscope.
- Pulse Meter: Electronic pulse meters automatically check your pulse in your finger, wrist, or chest. These devices are helpful if you have trouble measuring your pulse or if you wish to check your pulse while you exercise. Some exercise machines such as treadmills have a pulse meter built into the device.
- Beats Per Minute: Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply this number by 4 to get your pulse per minute. Checking your pulse rates when resting, during exercises or after it, provides general information about your overall fitness level.
| Baby and Child Pulse Rate (BPM) |
|---|
| 1st month of life - 70-190 bpm |
| Between 1 and 11 mths - 80-160 bpm |
| 1 and 2 yrs - 80-130 bpm |
| 3 and 4 yrs - 80-120 bpm |
| 5 and 6 yrs - 75-115 bpm |
| Between 7 and 9 yrs - 70-110 bpm |
| 10 years of age plus - 60-100 bpm |
| Average Pulse Rate for Adults | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age | Target Heart Rate 50 - 85% | Average Maximum Heart Rate 100% |
| 20 years | 100-170 beats per minute | 200 beats per minute |
| 30 yrs | 95-162 bpm | 190 bpm |
| 35 yrs | 93-157 bpm | 185 bpm |
| 40 yrs | 90-153 bpm | 180 bpm |
| 45 yrs | 88-149 bpm | 175 bpm |
| 50 yrs | 85-145 bpm | 170 bpm |
| 55 yrs | 83-140 bpm | 165 bpm |
| 60 yrs | 80-136 bpm | 160 bpm |
| 65 yrs | 78-132 bpm | 155 bpm |
| 70 yrs | 75-128 bpm | 150 bpm |
Heart Rate Explanations
- Tachycardia: Means the heart is beating too fast at rest (usually over 100 beats a minute (BPM))
- Bradycardia: A heart rate that is too slow (usually below 60 beats a minute(BPM))
- Target Heart Rate: You gain the most benefits and lessen the risks when you exercise in your target heart rate zone. Usually this is when your exercise heart rate (pulse) is 60 percent to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate - (Target Heart Rate Calculator and Chart)
- Maximum Heart Rate: The maximum heart rate is the highest your pulse rate can get. To calculate your predicted maximum heart rate, use the formula: 220 - Your Age = Predicted Maximum Heart Rate
NOTE: It is recommended that a physician be consulted for advice in event of doubts or therapy.
Human Pulse Range
About the Author
Disabled World (Disabled-World.Com) is an independent disability community established in 2004 to provide disability news, assistive technology reviews, and disability sporting events, as well as general information for people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. Be sure to check out our homepage for informative reviews, exclusive stories and how-tos. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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Human Pulse Detection
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Human Pulse Rate 107
Cite Page:Journal: Disabled World. Language: English (U.S.). Author: Disabled World. Electronic Publication Date: 2011-06-09 - Revised: 2020-12-19. Title: Check What Your Pulse Rate (BPM) Should Be, Source: <a href=https://www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/bpm-chart.php>Check What Your Pulse Rate (BPM) Should Be</a>. Retrieved 2021-04-26, from https://www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/bpm-chart.php - Reference: DW#286-7889.