How To Check Your Pulse: Too Fast and Too Slow

How do I check my own pulse?

Checking your own pulse is fairly straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Find a pulse point: The most common place to check your pulse is on your wrist, on the thumb side. Place your index and middle fingers gently on the inner side of your wrist, just below the base of your thumb.
2. Apply gentle pressure: Don’t press too hard; you just need to feel the pulsation beneath your fingers.
3. Count the beats: Once you feel the pulse, count the number of beats you feel in 60 seconds. Alternatively, you can count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to get your beats per minute (bpm).
4. Record your pulse rate: Note down your pulse rate. A normal resting heart rate for adults is typically between 60-100 beats per minute.
5. Check for regularity: Pay attention to whether your pulse feels regular or irregular (like skipping beats). If you notice irregularities, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.

Other places you can check your pulse include the neck (carotid artery) or the inside of your elbow (brachial artery). It’s generally easier to check on the wrist for most people.

What should I do if my pulse is less than 60 per minute?

If your pulse rate is consistently less than 60 beats per minute (bpm), it’s known as bradycardia. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Assess symptoms: If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, short of breath, or have chest pain along with a slow pulse, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Check your physical activity: If you’re an athlete or regularly engage in physical activity, a lower resting heart rate may be normal. However, if you’re not an athlete and experience symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
3. Evaluate medications: Some medications can lower heart rate as a side effect. Check if any medications you are taking could be contributing to bradycardia.
4. Monitor regularly: Keep track of your pulse rate over several days and note any changes or patterns.
5. Consult a healthcare provider: If you are concerned about your pulse rate, especially if it consistently remains below 60 bpm or if you have accompanying symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your overall health and determine if further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

In some cases, bradycardia may require medical intervention, especially if it’s causing symptoms or related to an underlying medical condition.

What should I do if my resting heart rate is higher than 100 beats per minute?

If your resting heart rate is consistently higher than 100 beats per minute (bpm), it’s known as tachycardia. Here’s what you can do:

1. Check for symptoms: Assess if you have any other symptoms such as palpitations (feeling of a rapid or irregular heartbeat), dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting. If you experience severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
2. Identify potential causes: Tachycardia can be caused by various factors including stress, anxiety, fever, dehydration, caffeine or nicotine intake, certain medications, hormonal changes, or underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, heart disease, or electrolyte imbalances.
3. Monitor your heart rate: Measure your heart rate regularly to determine if it remains consistently elevated above 100 bpm. You can do this by checking your pulse at your wrist or neck and counting the beats per minute.
4. Practice relaxation techniques: If stress or anxiety is a contributing factor, techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga may help lower your heart rate.
5. Hydrate: Ensure you are well-hydrated as dehydration can sometimes lead to a higher heart rate.
6. Review medications: Check if any medications you are taking could be causing or contributing to tachycardia. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect this.
7. Seek medical advice: If your resting heart rate consistently exceeds 100 bpm or if you are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can conduct further evaluation, perform tests if necessary, and determine the appropriate course of action.

Depending on the underlying cause and severity, treatment for tachycardia may involve addressing the underlying condition, medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or other interventions recommended by your healthcare provider.