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What is the pulse?

We explain what is the heart rate, one of the most important vital signs. How and where is it measured? Normal values ​​of pulsation.

  1. What is the pulse?

The pulse is an arterial movement generated by the heartbeat  and serves as a measurement of it. It is the heartbeat that causes the arteries to expand and contract while blood circulates through the body.

Therefore, the number of pulsations gives information about the pumping of this organ and through it it can be detected if there are certain problems or pathologies  regarding the strength and heart rate .

The pulse is one of the most important vital signs, one of the first that is observed when, for example, a person has suffered an accident, a major fall or is sick. In addition to measuring blood pressure, temperature and breathing.

  1. Where is the pulse measured?

Pulse - Heart Rate
A very common place to measure the pulse is the neck.

There are certain areas of the body where the pulpit is perceived more clearly, it can even be detected with the fingers. These are:

  • Neck
  • Doll
  • Temple
  • Inside of the knees
  • Groin
  • Inner face of the foot
  1. Normal pulsation patterns

According to the age ranges, different expected parameters are observed, these are:

  • Up to 1 month of age:  The heart rate is higher than in the rest of the vital stages, having between 70 to 190 beats per minute.
  • 1-11 months of age : The pulsations begin to descend until they are between 80 to 160 beats per minute.
  • 1-2 years of age : The pulse is usually between 80 to 130 beats per minute.
  • 3-4 years old : Follow the descent to 80 to 120 beats per minute.
  • 5-6 years old : They have 75 to 115 beats per minute.
  • 7 – 9 years old : Your pulse is between 70 to 110 beats per minute.
  • From 10 years to adulthood (and part of older adults): It is the longest period of years where the pulse is usually established between 60 to 100 beats per minute.
  1. How is the pulse measured?

Pulse - heart rate
You should press lightly on the place where the artery passes.
  • First you have to be clear about the objective of the measurement, for example, if you want to know what are the levels that are reached when doing cardiovascular activity, this will be done at the end of the physical exercise. Otherwise it will be necessary to rest at least 10 minutes before measuring.
  • Then, the index and middle fingers are placed on some of the areas indicated above, ideally on the place where the artery passes. Press lightly until the pulse is detected and it stays there for a minute, counting the pulsations. Or, for 30 seconds and then multiply by two.
  • If you want to measure by the neck, it is recommended that the person lie down.

Heart rate may vary . The pulse is not always the same, in the same person there may be significant differences depending on the situation in which you are, so the number of beats per minute will not be the same at rest and in a cardiovascular activity. In the same way it happens with age, health status , sex or even, experiencing a certain type of emotion.

  1. When to consult the doctor?

  • The resting heart rate is constantly high.
  • The resting heart rate is constantly low.
  • Irregular pulse or also known as «jumps».

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