Where is the pulse on the hand. Measurement of a person's pulse. Reasons for different indicators on hand

Heart rate is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Its main function is to reflect the rhythmic vibrations of the walls of blood vessels, which depend on heart contractions.

Pulse indicators carry information about the state of blood vessels. Irregular contractions can signal various pathologies of the heart, which require immediate treatment.

It is very important to know how to measure the pulse at home. This will give you the opportunity to always control the state of your health.

Normal heart rate in a healthy person is 60-90 beats per minute. In newborns, the pulse is much higher, the permissible value is within 170 beats per minute.

The algorithm for measuring heart rate is quite simple:

When measuring the pulse yourself, it is better to choose a sitting position. There may be minor changes in indicators, but they do not play a big role.

If failures in the pulse are detected, you should immediately contact a specialist and begin treatment. Arrhythmia may indicate serious disorders in the work of the heart.

In addition to the heart rate, it is possible to assess the filling of the vascular bed - the density of the pulse wave. As well as tension - the force with which you need to press the artery to lose contraction.

Analysis of the characteristics of the pulse makes it possible to determine the increase or decrease in blood pressure. At high pressure, the pulse is tense. When reduced - filiform.

In order to get the most correct result, it is important to exclude the influence of negative factors. Heart rate is not measured in such cases:

The person is in a state of emotional overexcitation.
Some time after taking a hot bath or swimming in the pool.
After physical exertion, sports.
On an empty stomach or after a heavy meal.

The above factors directly affect the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle and the obtained indicators will be unreliable. Therefore, it is worth considering the basic rules of measurement and the fact that the pulse slows down immediately after waking up and before going to bed.

The maximum is reached in the afternoon. Thus, the pulse should be measured two hours after sleep. It is best to do this in the morning, lying down.

The patient must be in a comfortable emotional state. In addition, the frequency of contractions is constantly changing. You can get a reliable result if you measure the pulse at the same time during the week.

The pulse measurement technique lies in the fact that, adhering to all of the above rules, the pulse can be measured in various parts of the body. In most cases, it is groped on the radial artery, in the lower part of the arm.

This is blood flow from the side of the thumb. Experts consider the location of this point to be optimal from the place of examination and from the organs under study.

The pulse is measured with three fingers - index, middle and ring. The areas where the fingers should be placed can be found by leaving a thumb-wide space between the small bone pointing towards the thumb and the index finger placed on the hand.

Fingers must be strictly put on the hand, their pressure should be different. Place the index finger on the surface of the skin, and press the middle finger a little into the muscle tissue. The ring finger should be pressed deep, almost to the bone.

These actions make it possible to achieve three different levels of heart rate measurement.

The pulse can be measured on the neck, in the places where the carotid artery is closest to the skin.

This is not as convenient as checking the pulse on the hand. There are times when it is difficult to determine the pulsation in these places.

Therefore, you need to know other points:

brachial artery - palpable in the elbow, in the fossa;
carotid artery - lateral surface of the neck;
above the arch of the foot - the pulse is probed in the hole located above the center of the foot;
in the popliteal fossa;
femoral artery - the inner surface of the thigh in the groin.

In whatever area you have to feel the pulse, the measurement algorithm remains the same.

How to measure the pulse on the arm

In the modern world, everyone should know how to measure the pulse on the hand on their own:

You need to perform the procedure in the morning or at lunch on an empty stomach.
Before self-examination, it is worth giving up alcohol, tea, coffee, intimacy.
Carefully examine the left wrist, find a vein on it. It is usually clearly visible - a thin blue strip under the skin.
Touch it with the fingertips of your right hand. Squeeze a little.
As soon as the pulse is found, start the stopwatch and start counting.

The carotid artery is one of the important elements of the human circulatory system. It is through its branches that blood enters the brain and supplies it with oxygen, all the substances necessary for the full functioning of the body.

The vessel is of great importance, since the pulse is most often measured through the carotid artery. The place where the carotid artery is palpated is located on the anterior lateral surface of the neck.

There are cases when the vessel on the wrist is affected by sclerotic plaques. At the same time, it is impossible to feel the pulse on the arm. In such a situation, it is important to know how to determine the pulse on the carotid artery.

The procedure consists of the following steps:

The person must be placed on a horizontal surface or seated on a chair with a back.
Then put the middle and index fingers on the Adam's apple and slowly probe until a soft depression is found on the side of the thyroid cartilage. It is in this place that the beating of the artery is heard.
A stopwatch is being prepared to record the time and count the number of beats per minute.

The vessel should be probed very carefully so as not to provoke a reaction of receptors and a decrease in blood pressure by pressing. It is very important for everyone to know where the carotid artery is located in order to measure the pulse of oneself and other people if necessary.

The normal heart rate for men and women is different. For the fairer sex, it is in the range of 70-80 beats per minute. For men - 60-80.

In addition, it is important to understand that in children the heart beats faster than in adults. It is considered the norm of 70-120 beats per minute.

In athletes who are accustomed to intense and prolonged physical exertion, the heart muscle is usually enlarged. Therefore, it contracts more slowly - 40-60 times per minute.

Such a phenomenon does not apply to pathology, but, on the contrary, in one beat a trained heart distills a larger portion of blood than the heart of a person who leads a sedentary lifestyle. In this case, it wears out less and stays young much longer.

Rapid pulse is tachycardia. Such a phenomenon can signal various nervous disorders and disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. If a rapid pulse is accompanied by arrhythmia, this is especially unpleasant.

In order to avoid dangerous complications, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist and not delay treatment if violations are detected. In the case when the pathology is absent, you should simply avoid stressful situations, excessive physical exertion.

If a specialist during the examination reveals more serious disorders, you will have to come to grips with your health.

An important point will be a change in the usual way of life and the rejection of bad habits. After all, heart pathologies most often occur due to constant stress and abuse.

The normalization of the nervous system, the exclusion of harmful foods from the diet and more outdoor recreation will help restore the correct rhythm.

If the heart beats more slowly than normal, this also indicates violations in its work. The frequency of heart beats 50-30 times per minute in medicine is called bradycardia.

There are several reasons for its appearance:

chemical poisoning;
severe hypothermia;
high intracranial pressure;
decreased thyroid function;
exhaustion of the body during prolonged fasting.

With a slow pulse, a person has the following symptoms:

weakness;
lethargy;
dizziness.

Bradycardia can cause fainting and cardiac arrest. An abnormally slow pulse is more dangerous than a rapid one. Therefore, do not postpone the visit to the cardiologist.

Systematic measurement of the pulse makes it possible to detect violations in the work of the cardiovascular system at an early stage and prevent complications. Feeling the pulse on the hand, you can listen under which finger knocks harder and determine other pathologies.

Left wrist:

If it knocks most strongly under the index finger, this may signal problems with the intestines.
Under the middle - a malfunction of the spleen or gallbladder.
Under the nameless - pathologies of the kidneys or the genitourinary system are possible.

Right wrist:

Best of all, the pulse is felt under the index finger - malfunctions in the cardiovascular system.
Under the average - a violation of the functioning of the liver.
Under the ring finger on the right hand, as well as on the left, there are disorders in the functioning of the kidneys or the genitourinary system.

It is important to understand that only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis, and independent measurements and detection of deviations from the norm are a signal for contacting him and undergoing a professional examination.

You do not need to prescribe treatment yourself, otherwise you can only aggravate the situation. Rapid heart rate may occur with weather changes or with age, which does not require adjustment.

Knowing how to measure the pulse yourself is important for everyone. After all, the heart is the only organ of the human body that never rests. His muscle is constantly contracting.

Their frequency may change with age, weather conditions, depending on the general condition of the body.

The measurement algorithm is simple, the procedure can be carried out at home on your own, both to your loved ones and to yourself. Thus, it is possible to timely detect violations in the work of the cardiovascular system.

In addition, it is necessary to monitor changes in heart rate during sports so as not to overload your body.

When carrying out the procedure, it is important to consider that the pulse should be felt rhythmically, and the beats should follow each other in jerks.

In some cases, when inhaling, a slight arrhythmia appears. If it disappears when holding the breath, then this does not apply to pathology. In any case, deviations from the norm are a reason to go to the doctor.

Counting the pulse on the neck in the area of the carotid artery is the fastest and most easily accessible method that allows you to suspect clinical death in an unconscious person and start resuscitation of the victim in time. In other words, the presence of a pulse on the carotid artery indicates that the person is alive. That is why a medical worker of any specialty, and just an ordinary person, should know how to quickly find the carotid artery.

Anatomy of the carotid artery

The carotid artery, for some of its length, adjoins rather superficially to the skin, so it can be easily and quickly probed, and thus assess the presence or absence of cardiac activity in a person. This technique allows you not to waste precious time during resuscitation to get to the chest and listen to heart beats on the anterior chest wall.

So, the carotid artery is a paired blood vessel originating directly from the aorta on the left (more precisely, from its arch), and from the truncus brachiocephalicus on the right (brachiocephalic trunk). On both sides, the carotid artery, for this length called the common carotid artery, heading upward, passes to the right and left of the esophagus and trachea, and also slightly anterior to the cervical vertebrae.

Closer to the upper surface of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx (the most protruding part of the larynx, also called the "Adam's apple"), the common carotid artery divides into two branches - external and internal. From this level, the outer branch is accessible to palpation, as it is covered only by the skin, subcutaneous fat and fascia, in contrast to the inner branch, which extends into the thickness of the muscles. It is on the external carotid artery that you can feel the pulsation by slightly pressing it against the deeper muscles of the neck.

anatomy of the carotid arteries and arteries of the neck

How to determine the pulse on the carotid artery?

The technique for determining the pulse consists in the following manipulations. Before starting palpation, it is necessary to free the neck from clothing and visually determine the area of the carotid triangle, the faces of which are the lower jaw, the median line of the neck and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In this case, it is better to turn the head of the victim in the opposite direction. The side of palpation does not matter, and palpation can be carried out both on the right and on the left. In order to feel the pulse, it is necessary to attach two or three fingers (II, III and IV) to the point between the angle of the lower jaw and the anterior surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Further, when a pulsation is detected, the main characteristics of the pulse are evaluated - rhythm, filling, tension, and the pulse rate per minute is also calculated.

The assessment of the pulse along the entire length of the carotid artery on both sides is used in patients with suspected thrombosis, atherosclerosis, carotid aneurysm, as well as in case of suspected heart disease such as aortic insufficiency. In the latter case, the rhythmic pulsation in the area of the carotid artery is visually noticeable and is called the dance of the carotid.

A person who suddenly lost consciousness Checking the carotid pulse is essential to determine if a cardiac arrest has occurred and whether immediate resuscitation is required. In this case, the pulse on the carotid artery is not determined on both sides.

Video: determining the pulse on the carotid artery

Absence of a pulse in the carotid artery

The situation when a person has no consciousness and a pulse on the carotid artery indicates that a person has had a decrease in blood pressure to 0 mm Hg, due to. Further actions in this case are to immediately follow the ABC protocol - A (Airway) - to ensure the patency of the airways, B (Breathing) - to start artificial respiration, C - (Circulation) - to start an indirect heart massage. Perform artificial respiration and it is necessary in a rhythm of 2:15 until the restoration of blood flow and the appearance of a pulse on the carotid artery or until the arrival of rescuers (medics), or within 30 minutes from the stop of the heartbeat.

Figure: Performing CPR in the absence of a carotid pulse

Causes of other deviations from the norm

Feeling the pulse on the carotid artery can tell about many hidden diseases that have not yet been diagnosed in the patient. But for this it is necessary to probe the external carotid artery throughout its entire length, and not just at the angle of the lower jaw. For this technique, it is necessary to line up all four fingers of the hand, except for the thumb, between the trachea and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After palpation of one area, the fingers are smoothly moved up to study another area.

So, when conditioned, the pulse becomes tense (that is, it is difficult for the doctor to pinch the artery until the pulse disappears completely), and the artery itself can be palpated as a tuberous compacted formation.

Low (not filled) and soft (not tense) pulse on the carotid artery on both sides may indicate the development of the patient or myocarditis. A thready pulse is determined with severe myocardial damage and is a sign that cardiac arrest can occur at any time.

When you can feel a pulsating rounded formation, characterized by a high filling pulse, that is, a large "height" of pulse oscillations.

With, with hypertonic type, as well as with hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, the pulse on the carotid artery becomes frequent, full (high filling) and tense.

Figure: views of the pulse on the carotid artery

Due to the fact that palpation of the pulse on the carotid artery is a simple and at the same time diagnostically valuable technique both in emergency situations, when a person can really die, and when examining stable patients, it should not be neglected, especially when examining elderly cardiac patients.

Each person simply must know where to correctly calculate the pulse beat. This knowledge may be needed not only in ordinary situations, to determine the correct load during exercise, or for the most effective exercise that helps in losing weight - first of all, this can be useful in determining the general condition of a sick person. A normal pulse should fall within certain limits, and when you leave them, this will already be considered a deviation from the norm, and indicate some diseases. How to reliably determine the pulse, you will learn from this article.

Pulse - what is it?

The pulse is considered the heart rate, that is, it is a reflection of the work of our heart, which does not know rest and plays one of the main roles in the life system of the body.

The heart makes our blood circulate through the circulatory system. How can you check its work? With the help of a pulse - the so-called beating or flow of blood in the vessels in those parts of the body where these vessels are as close as possible to the skin, which is characterized by the absence of fat and muscle layers.

It should be remembered that the pulse is different, because the blood vessels are located in different ways, and also differ from each other in volume (size) and basic functions. What are they?

Arteries - these vessels carry blood from the heart to the internal organs and, accordingly, are primarily responsible for their normal functioning.
Veins - these vessels carry blood from the internal organs to the heart, giving it the necessary nourishment and being responsible for its normal functioning.
Capillaries - these vessels are the smallest, however, at the same time, they also have their own special purpose, in addition to experiencing fluctuations from the beating of the heart. However, it is useless to determine the pulse from the blood flow of these vessels - it will not allow you to find out the overall picture, since such small vessels are able to assess only cardinal changes in the body, determined more by other factors, such as blue nails, lips or fingertips - and this is already the most the last version of the assessment of the state of human health.

That is why the easiest way to determine a person's pulse is to do it by arterial blood flow.

Where can you measure your pulse?

At all times, experts measured the pulse exclusively by palpation, that is, by probing the blood flow through the subcutaneous vessels. And this is the most optimal way today to measure the pulse of any person independently at home. Where in the body is it realistic to produce?

On the radial artery. The very first, simplest and generally accepted method. In this way, the pulsation is felt in the area of \u200b\u200bthe wrist.
On the ulnar artery. It is located just above the radial artery, on the other side of the wrist.
On the brachial artery. This is located in the area of \u200b\u200bthe elbow bend of the inner side of the arm.
On the axillary artery. It passes in the armpit.
On the temporal artery. Accordingly, by name, these arteries pass in the region of the temples, above the outer side of the eye.
On the carotid artery. This artery allows you to feel the so-called "carotid" pulse, and this can be done by palpating the neck.
on the facial artery. It is located between the edge of the lower jaw and the corner of the mouth, allows you to feel the facial pulse.
On the femoral artery. It is located in the groin area, on the inner side of the thigh.
On the popliteal artery. It is located in the hollow, on the bend of the leg.
On the stop artery. It is located just below the ankle, in the middle of the instep or behind the arch of the foot.

There are various circumstances in which it is easiest to measure the pulse at the most accessible point, which may not only be the wrist.

Correct hand pulse measurement

Most often, the pulse is measured on the radial artery. It is located in the wrist area and is so close to the surface of the skin that it can often be seen with the naked eye. Each person is able to measure his own pulse in this place. What needs to be done for this?

Turn your left hand palm up. Of course, the right hand can also be used for this, however, it is best traced precisely on the wrist of the left hand, since it is located closer to the heart.
The left hand should be held at chest level, without leaning on anything, it is only allowed to put it on a horizontal surface.
Straighten the index and middle fingers of the other hand and fold them together. Put them on the wrist of the left hand in the area just below the base of the thumb.
Feel the desired artery under the skin - it will be felt as a thin elastic tube. Slightly press on it and feel the tremors of blood inside it.
Calculate, referring to the clock, the number of beats per minute.

Please note that the pulse must be felt with two fingers - middle and index. It is wrong to use the thumb for this, because in this case you can make a mistake in the measurement, feeling the pulsation of the thumb itself.

Correct measurement of the pulse on the carotid artery

If a person has lost a lot of blood or is unconscious, measuring his pulse at the wrist can be difficult, because the radial artery, although noticeable, is not the thickest of the existing ones and in some cases may not be palpable. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to measure the pulse on the carotid artery. For this you need:

The person whose pulse is being measured should be seated or laid on his back, he should not be in an upright position.
Run the index and middle fingers of the hand along the neck of the person in the direction from top to bottom. The movement must start from the base of the lower jaw and continue along the throat.
Find the place of the most pronounced pulsation - usually this is a hole in the neck.
Loosely place your fingers on the arteries without applying too much pressure and do not palpate two carotid arteries at the same time, as this may cause fainting.
Calculate the beating of blood, referring to the clock.

An ordinary adult at rest should have a pulse of 60 - 90 beats per minute, athletes are allowed 40 - 60 beats. During physical activity, the permissible (limiting) pulse is calculated by subtracting your age from 220, and the number obtained by multiplying this figure by 0.7 will be optimal.

The pulse is not the most important criterion and indicator of the state of health, but it is an important factor due to which several types of diseases can be identified. To identify them, you need to know how to correctly measure the pulse on the arm, and know the norms of heart rate.

Pulse - the movement of the walls of the arteries caused by the activity of the heart

Everyone knows that the heart is a muscle that pumps blood. At the moment of expulsion of the next portion of blood, a blow is created on the walls of the artery, due to which vibration occurs in all blood vessels.

In some places on the human body, these vibrations are perfectly felt during palpation, and these “shocks” are called the pulse.

There are several types of pulses, depending on the location:

arterial. An artery is the largest blood vessel in the human body. Accordingly, when a portion of the blood is ejected, it is most affected and creates the most obvious and visible pulse. In some cases, the arterial pulse can be seen with the naked eye. If you look closely at the neck, you can see contractions;
capillary. Although capillaries are the smallest vessels in the body, they are also subject to vibration from the heartbeat. You just can't see or feel them with your fingers. Such a pulse is measured in a medical institution using special equipment.

As for another type of blood vessels - veins, then the heart vibrations do not reach them, because they are located at an impressive distance from each other. You can feel the venous pulse due to the oscillations of the artery, which touches the veins.

Some people do not understand at all why measure the pulse, and what it gives. The pulse reflects the rhythm of the heart and the frequency of its contractions. Heart rhythm disturbances can be determined by the number of beats per minute.

How to measure the pulse on the hand

To detect a violation of the rhythm of heart contractions, it is necessary to measure the pulse correctly. Firstly, it is best to do this in a state of calm, only then the indicators will be as accurate as possible. It is important to remember that many external factors affect the pulse rate, that is, heart rate, and during the day it can change its performance.

To identify pathologies, it is better to measure the pulse in a calm state 2-3 times a day for a week. By recording the results, you can follow the dynamics and draw conclusions - whether there is a violation of the heart rhythm or not.

It is best to measure the pulse on the arm, and, as already mentioned, in a state of calm. It is necessary to attach the middle and index fingers of the left hand to the wrist of the right and feel the pulse. When the pulsation is best heard, it is necessary to count the number of beats in 20 seconds. Then multiply the resulting figure by three to determine the heart rate per minute.

In case of suspicion of a violation of the heartbeat, it is better not to be lazy and measure the pulse throughout the entire minute.

This is due to the fact that the heartbeat can go astray, and in 10-20 minutes this can not be understood. In case of violations of heart contractions, you should contact a specialist for help. The doctor will prescribe a full examination, make a diagnosis and determine the methods of treatment.

Pulse rate and causes of deviation from the norm

There are fixed indicators that determine the normal number of heartbeats in people of different ages.

These figures are from the National Institute:

in newborns - up to 140 beats per minute
in children up to a year - up to 130 beats per minute
up to two years - 90-100 beats / min.
up to seven years - 85-95 beats / min.
up to 14 years - 70-90 beats per minute
up to 30 years - 60-70 beats per minute
up to 50 years - 60-85 beats per minute; over 50 years up to 95 beats per minute

But in addition to such established norms, there is also an acceptable standard: for athletes who train for a long time, the heart rate can be 40-60 beats per minute. If such an indicator is observed for a long time and at the same time a person does not feel unwell, dizziness, anemia and other symptoms, then this indicator is considered normal for this person and he is completely healthy.

If the pulse rate is below normal, this indicates some disturbances in the cardiovascular system.

If the child's pulse is above 140 beats per minute, and in an adult it is above 70 beats in a state of calm, this indicates an increased work of the heart. That is, the heart beats more often than it should. In medicine, this pathology is called tachycardia. There are many reasons for its occurrence. The first factor is the lack of oxygen, which occurs due to anemia or disorders of the respiratory system.

As a rule, an increased heart rate is closely associated with an increase in blood pressure. Since tachycardia and hypertension can lead to other diseases, it is necessary to be treated in a timely manner.

You can learn more about bradycardia from the video:

If the pulse "rolls over" without pressure, this can be an alarm. It is urgent to visit a specialist. And in order to instantly relieve an attack of palpitations, you can pinch yourself, wash yourself with ice water or cough loudly.

Slow heartbeat - the opposite of tachycardia - bradycardia. This disease can be independent or serve as a symptom of more serious pathologies in the body. There can be many reasons for bradycardia, often it is atherosclerosis. To find out the exact disease, you need to undergo an examination, because without special diagnostics, even the best doctor will not be able to establish the cause.

The main function is to reflect fluctuations in the walls of blood vessels, which depend on heart contractions.

Pulse indicators carry information about the state of the vessels, since it characterizes the strength and rhythm of the movements of the walls of the vessels. Irregular heartbeats can be a signal of various heart diseases that require treatment. If there is no pulse in our hand, it can be heard on the carotid artery.

When another portion of blood is pushed out, it hits the walls of the vessels, due to which they vibrate. On the human body, the vibration of blood vessels is easy to feel during palpation. More often measure the pulse on the arm. It is for this reason that experts give advice on how to measure the pulse on the arm yourself. This skill will allow you to control your condition at any time, as well as determine the pressure by pulse.

Algorithm for performing manipulation

You can measure the pulse yourself in the wrist as follows:

The frequency of blows is measured with fingers around the wrist.
Determined in 1 minute (30, 15 or 10 seconds).
It is more correct to look for a pulse simultaneously on the right and left radial arteries, comparing their characteristics, which should normally be the same.
The data obtained is recorded in the form of a graph or drawing during the day.
If the pulse is not felt on the arm, you can calculate the frequency and strength of the heartbeats in another place.

When it is impossible to catch the heartbeat even on the carotid artery, cardiac arrest is possible. In this case, it may be necessary to carry out special manipulations stimulating the heart to restore its work.

Indicator measurement rules

You need to know how to measure the pulse on the arm or elsewhere:

This must be done at rest, so that the indicators are accurate, in a sitting or lying position.
Do not measure the beat frequency with your thumb. This will result in measurement errors. Take measurements correctly with the index or two at once.
Veins and capillaries do not transmit heartbeats; it is impossible to determine the number of beats from them. For this reason, it should be measured by the contractions of the arteries.
You need to set the stopwatch so that it is easy to follow.
It is better to count the number of strokes within 1 minute. But you can also multiply the result by 4 (or 2) in 15 (or 30) seconds. It is faster, although it increases the chance of error when the rhythm is irregular. The most accurate measurement is in 1 minute.

Today, not manual methods for measuring heart rate are more common, but using sensors on the arm or heart rate monitors - cardiometers. They are worn as or strengthened in the elbow bend. The screen of the device constantly displays information about the heart rate or at certain intervals. This method is preferable to palpation, since measurements with it are more accurate, no skills are required. With this device, you can monitor the pulse at home and during physical exertion, without stopping for measurements. But these devices are not certified, so they are unsuitable for diagnostics.

Determine the heart rate and when removing the cardiogram.

It is possible to measure pulsation with the help of automatic (tonometers). Simultaneously with the pressure indicators, such devices display the heart rate on the screen. If the pulse is unstable, such a device indicates this. Some doctors use a stethoscope for this purpose to hear the beat of the heart.

Points to measure

Pulsation is determined where the artery passes close to the surface of the body over the bone tissue. More often measure the pulse on the arm. But this is not the only place of measurement.

Measure the pulse:

on the wrist;
in the bend of the elbow;
in the temple area;
on the neck;
in the groin;
under the knee;
on the legs, or rather, on the ankles from the inside;
in the pubic region (inguinal arteries);
in the area of the carotid artery;
at the junction of the big toe and foot from below.

How to measure the pulse on the arm

Finding the pulse in the wrist area is easiest. To calculate the pulse on the hand, special skills and devices are not required. Anyone can measure the heart rate.

The procedure for measuring heart beats is very simple:

from the hand it is necessary to remove everything that can interfere with probing the movement of blood through the vascular system;
wash hands and dry;
lie down or sit down;
prepare a watch with a second hand or a stopwatch;
press the radial artery with three fingers;
count the number of beats:
it is better to do this in a minute, but you can count the beats for 30 seconds, then multiply the result by 2 (If the pulse is counted in 15 seconds, the result is multiplied by four);
write down the results.

This method of measuring heart rate does not require special skills.

How to determine the pulse on the carotid artery

To perform the procedure for measuring heartbeats in a place close to the carotid artery, two or three fingers are used. They are located on the side of the lower jaw or sternocleidomastoid muscle near the thyroid cartilage. In this way, the number and strength of blows in a person are counted, and some conclusions about the character are made.

Attention! The measurement must be taken carefully so as not to pinch the artery, so as not to cause the danger of a sharp slowdown in heart rate. This can lead to loss of consciousness.

What pulse is considered normal

There are fixed indicators that determine the normal number of heartbeats. The numbers for each age are different.

This indicator is:

in newborns, about 140 beats / min;
in babies up to a year, about 130 beats / min;
from one to two years - 90-100 beats. /min;
in children 2–7 years old - 85–95 beats. /min;
7–14 years old - this figure is lower - 70–90 beats / min;
up to 30 years - 60-70 beats per minute;
in an adult 30–50 years old, the pulse is 60–85 beats / min;
in people older than 50 about 95 beats. /min;
, many trainees, the number of heartbeats is 40-60 beats per minute.

Attention! The deviation of the heart rate from the norm is an alarming sign! But if such a deviation of the indicator is observed for a long time, and the person feels himself, such a pulse in a person is considered normal. But in any case, you need to see a doctor!

What do the high scores indicate?

Increased heart rate can be caused by physiological and pathological causes. They become more frequent, for example, after overstrain and strong emotions, after intense sports training. But after a while, the frequency of contractions returns to normal.

If the pulse quickens at rest, it is pathological. With a heart rate of more than one hundred per minute, doctors diagnose: tachycardia. It is evidence that the heart cannot pump blood as it should. This condition occurs when:

heart failure;
cardioneurosis;
heart defects;
endocarditis or rheumatic heart disease;
thyrotoxicosis;
anemia;
hypertension and simple arrhythmias.

Only a doctor can check and confirm the diagnosis.

slow pulse

This phenomenon causes the myocardium, associated with the replacement of muscle tissue with scar tissue, if the sinus node is affected.

Often the reasons for the low rate of heart contractions are the irregularity of the heart, disorders of the internal organs. Doctors call this condition bradycardia. This happens:

with extrasystoles;
in cases of atrial fibrillation;
with heart block.

Low pulsations can be caused by:

prolonged hypothermia;
increased pathologies of the parasympathetic nervous system;
an increase in intracranial pressure, which is caused by cerebral edema, tumors, cerebral hemorrhages and meningitis;
the use of certain drugs, such as beta-blockers or antiarrhythmics;
intoxication;
dysfunction of the thyroid or pancreas;
various infections.

In addition, a decrease in the number of contractions often occurs in athletes and healthy people who are exposed to physical stress. Bradycardia in these people is normal, if it does not manifest itself in any abnormalities.

During the ruling Chinese dynasty, it was widely used to determine the state of a monarchical person. Doctors could touch them only to measure his pulse. An incorrect diagnosis cost the healer his life. And they considered the monarch's frequency, uniformity and strength of heart contractions. They were diagnosed.

For diagnosis by heart contractions, even today they take into account the frequency of strokes, their strength, fullness. For example, three fingers of the right hand are placed in the place of the left wrist, where the radial artery is located, so that the heart contractions are felt by each finger. Remember under which finger the blows are felt more strongly. The same is done with the left hand.

If, when pressed in the left wrist, the heart beats under the pad of the index finger, this is a signal of a disease of the small intestine in a man, and a thick one in a woman. The depth of strokes under the same finger signals the condition of the heart in men or the lungs in women.

Deep palpitations in the wrist of the right hand indicates pathologies of the lungs in men and the heart in women. Similarly, superficial heartbeats indicate pathologies in the intestines, but, on the contrary, from pathologies of the left hand.

It is impossible to accurately measure pressure from heart rate readings alone, but you can find out whether the pressure is increased or decreased. It disappears for a few seconds, and then the pulse appears again during arrhythmia. With osteochondrosis on different hands, the frequency of strokes is different.