Measuring the pulse can help diagnose cardiovascular pathologies early. Also, it is a simple procedure that can be done on different parts of the body. How is it done?
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Measuring the pulse is a very useful procedure that allows us to know the rhythm of our heart and guides us on the regularity of its frequency. It is a very simple measure that provides us with basic information about our cardiovascular function.
The pulse refers to a series of pulsations that can be perceived in some parts of the body. They are due to the contraction and dilation movement of both the heart and arteries.
It is synonymous with heart rate and is normally expressed in beats per minute. For example, if when we measure a person’s pulse for 60 seconds we count 70 beats, it means that the heart beats 70 times in one minute.
Although it is an essential procedure to quickly diagnose a possible heart problem, many people do not know what it is for to measure the pulse and how to do it. Therefore, in this article we explain it to you.
What is the purpose of measuring the pulse?
Measuring the pulse serves, among other things, to detect abnormalities in the heart rate.
Measuring the pulse has many uses, since it reports on the number of beats that our heart performs per unit time (normally, per minute). A normal pulse is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
First of all, measuring the pulse can help us detect tachycardia or bradycardia. Tachycardia is when the heart beats above 100 beats per minute . Bradycardia, by contrast, is when the heart beats at less than 60 beats per minute.
Both tachycardia and bradycardia may be indicative that something is not working correctly in our cardiovascular system. Exceeding any of these limits can mean a certain risk for our hearts.
However, most of the time these are normal situations in which the heart adapts its beats in order to maintain the blood supply to all the organs and tissues of the body.
For example, while doing sports, it is absolutely normal that your heart beats and that, when measuring the pulse, you find a tachycardia. Even the heart can suffer tachycardia in situations of fear, stress or danger.
Similarly, people who train daily tend to have lower heart rates. Some athletes can have the pulsations even at 40 beats per minute, without being indicative of any pathology.
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So what is it for?
This leads us to think that, in the first place, measuring the pulse can be useful to check our physical state and our progress when we do sports. Also to know what limits we can face during a physical training.
In addition, we must not forget that taking the pulsations can help us reach the early diagnosis of some pathology . In some serious situations, such as an aortic dissection , a procedure as simple as measuring the pulse can help us detect it in time and save the patient.
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How do you learn to measure your pulse?
Pulse can be measured in different parts of the body. However, it is convenient to do it on the neck, since it is the area where it is best perceived.
To measure your pulse under normal conditions, ideally you should be calm and relaxed , without having previously exercised. So you can get your keystrokes at rest.
This procedure can be performed on different parts of the body , but the most normal thing is to take it on the neck or on the wrist . In fact, to start measuring the pulse, it is recommended to do it on the neck, since it is the place where it is best perceived.
First of all, you need a stopwatch. You can use a watch or your own mobile to do it. Once you have achieved all this, what you should do, in short, is:
- Place your index and middle fingers under the chin, on the neck. You should press lightly in that area, until you feel the heartbeat. But you shouldn’t make it too strong either, as you could confuse the result.
- Once you have found it, start your stopwatch and start counting. You can do this for one minute or for 30 seconds. If you choose this last option, you must multiply the total number of beats you have counted by two.
As we have already mentioned, if the result is between 60 and 100 keystrokes at rest, it is within the normal limits. However, if your heartbeat exceeds or you notice any irregularity in the rhythm, ideally you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
In conclusion
Measuring the pulse is a very simple procedure that serves many purposes of our day to day , such as training. You can do it on the wrist, neck, abdomen, etc.
If you have any problem doing so, you can purchase a heart rate monitor. Do not forget to consult your doctor if you notice any abnormality or if your heartbeat is usually above average at rest.
