How to Check Pulse Rate

Common sites are the brachial and radial pulses.

Your pulse rate says something about your circulation and blood volume. A bounding pulse is usually good, while a weak pulse normally isn't. Here's how you can find yours easily in your own home.

Instructions

1. Make sure you are in a somewhat rested state. Taking your pulse right after vigorous exercise will shoot your pulse through the roof and won't be an accurate reading.

2. Palpate, or feel around, for your radial pulse. This is the easiest location to take a pulse and should be easy to feel for. Hold your index and middle fingers together on the pulse site and hold.

3. Get some type of watch or clock nearby. You will need this to count to either 30 seconds or a minute. Count to 30 seconds if your pulse has a regular rhythm, 60 seconds if it has an irregular rhythm.

4. If you counted for 30 seconds, multiply your number by 2. If not, your 60 second measurement is your pulse rate, or heart rate. 60-100 is normal for a healthy adult. If you find that your pulse rate is out of this range, you might want to seek medical attention asap.