Knowing Your Normal Pulse Rate

We have to know what is normal pulse rate,adults pulse rate and pulse rate in children because it is a determinant of our overall health.

If you will observe, one of the vital signs recorded by the nurse during check-ups is our pulse rate. With that being the case, you should start asking the following questions and then getting the answers.

In popular culture, we associate our pulses with many things in life. Thus, we have sayings like pulse on the people, galloping pulse when in love and pulse of life, to name a few. However, there is more to the pulse than pop culture.

What Is Normal Pulse Rate?

It must be noted that the normal pulse rates in men and women, in children, too, will differ from one individual to the next. You have to refer to the pulse rate chart to determine in which category you belong to. Keep in mind that the chart shows the normal range of the resting heart, which means that it is the pulse rate after sitting quietly for 10 minutes.

* Babies one year old and below - 100 to 160 per minute

* Children 1 to 10 years old - 60 to 140 per minutes

* Children 11 to 17 years old - 60 to 100 per minute

* Adults - 60 to 100 per minute

* Athletes at their prime - 40 to 60 per minute

When taking the pulse rate, it should have a strong and steady rhythm. So it is necessary to rest for 10 minutes from any physical activity before taking the pulse rate. Take note, too, that your pulse rate can change when you take deep breaths. So you have to take at least 3 readings to determine your normal pulse rate.

How to Take Pulse Rate

There is no risk in taking your pulse rate, just in case you are afraid to do so at regular intervals. You can use the manual method or the electronic pulse meter. Either way is acceptable in certain circumstances.

For the manual method, you must first find a quiet place, sit down and rest for 10 minutes. While resting, you should set your watch with a second hand or you can use a digital stop watch.

Now, find the spot where you can find your pulse. This includes areas like the wrist, neck, temple area, behind the knee, groin and even on top of your foot although the wrist pulse is the easiest to find. Now, place your two fingers on the artery and count the beats for one full minute. Then the result is your pulse rate.

What Factors Determine Normal Pulse Rate/ pulse rate adult?

Many factors influence the normal pulse rate. You should discuss with your doctor if you notice any abnormal changes with your pulse rate. The factors behind a fast heart rate, a slow pulse and a weak pulse are different. For a fast heart rate, it may be due to exercise, anemia, decongestants, fever and heart disease, to name a few. A slow pulse can be caused by hypothyroidism, heart medications and heart disease whereas a weak pulse can be brought by a blood clot in either the arm or the leg.

So, now that you know the basics behind a normal pluse rate, you should start paying more attention to it.

Go to Blood Pressure Chart from Normal Pulse Rate