How to Find Your Pulse

Learning how to trace your or other people’s pulses is very important. Firstly, it can aid you examine your target heart range (THR) and secondly, it’s one of the worthwhile indications one needs to monitor regularly. Following is method to find your pulse:

Before Starting

• The right-handed individual can figure out the pulse on the left side of your body. For instance, to note the pulse in your left wrist, you have to use your right hand to trace it.
• Employ your index and middle fingers intact, also the pads of these fingers to find your pulse. The use of thumb, however, is not recommended.

• It’s advisable to locate your pulse during the course of an activity, such as after jogging or a cardiovascular workout. Your pulse rate will increase, making it easier to feel.
• Bear in mind that you are looking out for the central pulses, i.e. your arterial and carotid pulses. They are directly linked with the veins feeding your brain, which will convince you a more precise reading than the one got from peripheral pulses.
• Employ a moderate pressure when feeling your pulse. Carotid arteries directly feed your brain therefore doing a heavy compress for a long time can cause serious damage to a person.
• If you are checking your pulse on routine basis, always have a pen and paper ready beforehand.

Carotid Artery

The carotid artery is extended vertically across the laterals of your neck. To find your pulse emerging from the carotid artery, put your middle and index fingers intact. With the help of the pads of fingers, feel the pulse on the left side of your neck, at the conjunction of your neck and jaw-line. Slide down your fingers, nearly about the zone of middle neck, until you feel the ‘tell-tale beat’ of your pulse.

Radial Artery

The pulse emerging from your radial artery is also referred to as ‘wrist pulse.’ To locate your radial artery, turn your hand with palms up.

Take your middle and index fingers about your wrist very much near the thumb. Your middle finger should fall near your palm instead of index finger. Both fingers must pose vertically across your wrist. The pulse of your wrist pulse can be detected between the tendons of your wrist, i.e. the hard “strings” extended through the middle of your arm, and the edge of your wrist. Compress softly and move about a little for detection. You ought to sense your radial artery quite clearly now.