How to Find a Pulse

Most people know the basics of what a pulse is, and how one uses it to determine if a person is healthy or even alive. Essentially, every time the heart beats, blood is pushed forward through arteries which can be felt on certain parts of the body such as the wrist. Through feeling someone's pulse, you can determine his or her heart rate.

The pulse that is measured through the wrist is referred to as the radial pulse. Most people have a basic idea that you can locate a person's pulse in their wrist, but are unsure of where to go from there. These small steps will assist you in finding and timing that pulse.

1. Find the radial pulse - Okay, so it's on the wrist, but where? If you're taking a while to find it, don't be discouraged as even experienced individuals sometimes need to take their time. Make sure and use your fingers, but not the thumb; it has its own pulse and will confuse you. Don't press down too hard either, as this will flatten the artery and make it harder to feel. Look around under the thumb but not too low, pressing lightly. Eventually, you'll find the pulse.

2. Use a watch and count the beats - A watch with a second hand is recommended, so you'll know exactly when one minute has passed. Keeping your fingers on the radial pulse, count every heartbeat you feel for exactly one minute, noting any irregularities. The rate should be steady on a healthy person. Try not to watch the second hand too closely, or you might start counting the seconds instead of the beats.

3. Record your results - As soon as the minute is up, write down your results. Keep in mind that the average adult heart rate ranges between 60-100 beats per minute, often averaging around 70. Children 10 and younger will be 70-120, while newborn babies can be 100-160. If the heart beats at an irregular rate (instead of a steady one) or outside of these rates, it should be noted - although there are exceptions, as athletes and other physically-fit people can often have heart rates under 60 and down to 40, which isn't a bad thing at all.

Also, keep in mind the circumstances and environment. If possible, you should only take a person's pulse when they are relaxed. Exercise, tension or strenuous activity can cause the heart to pump much faster than it normally would, until it settles back down.