Normal Pulse Rate

By Author: Rob Thomas
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The pulse is the rate of heartbeats per minute.
How the Test is carried out
The pulse is measured at the:
Rear of the knees
Groin
Neck
Temple
Top or inner side of the foot
Wrist
In these areas , an artery passes near to the skin.
To test the pulse at the wrist, put the index and middle finger over the underside of the other wrist, below the base of the thumb. Press firmly with flat fingers until you feel the pulse.
To test the pulse on the neck, position the index and middle finger just to the side of the Adam's apple, in the tender, hollow area. Press firmly until you find the pulse.
Once you locate the pulse, calculate the beats for 1 full minute, or for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. This will give the beats per minute.
How to Prepare for the Test
To determine the resting heart rate, you must have been calm for at least 10 minutes. Do the action heart rate while you are doing some form of action.
How the Test Will Feel
There is a slight pressure from the fingers.
Why the Test is performed
Measuring ...
... the pulse can give very important data about your health. Any change from normal heart rate can point to a medical state. Fast pulse may signal an infection or dehydration. In emergency situations, the pulse rate can help determine if the patient's heart is pumping.
The pulse test has other uses as well. During activity or right away activity, the pulse rate can give information about your fitness level and health.
What causes heart blockage?
Congenital Heart Block
One type of congenital heart block happens in the offspring of women who have autoimmune illnesses, such as lupus. Individual who have these illnesses produce proteins called antibodies.
In pregnant ladies, these antibodies can cross the placenta. (The placenta is the organ that connects the umbilical cord to the mother's womb.) They can hurt the baby's heart and lead to congenital heart block.
Acquired Heart Block
Numerous factors, such as illnesses, surgery, medicines, and other conditions , can cause acquired heart block.
The most common cause of acquired heart block is damage to the heart from a heart attack. Other illnesses that can cause heart block include coronary artery disease, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), heart failure, rheumatic fever, and cardiomyopathy.
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