Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Checking your heart rate with your hand
• Method 2 of 2: Measuring your heart rate with a heart rate monitor
• Tips
• Warnings

The pulse allows you to determine how fast the heart is beating, whether it is in order, as well as the state of health and level of physical fitness of a person. Even without special equipment, heart rate testing is a fairly straightforward procedure. Check your heart rate manually or with an electronic heart rate monitor or heart rate monitor.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Checking your heart rate with your hand

1. 1 Find a clock to keep track of the time and count your heartbeats. Get a pocket watch or find a desk watch. You will need to time and count your heartbeats. Take a digital or analog watch with a second hand, or find any table clock to measure your heart rate correctly.
   • A stopwatch or timer on your phone works too.
2. 2 Decide where to measure your heart rate. Choose where to measure your heart rate: neck or wrist. Choose whichever is more to your liking or where it is easier for you to feel your pulse. Heart rate can also be measured (although more difficult to detect) at the following locations:
   • temple;
   • groin;
   • under the knee;
   • at the top of the foot.
3. 3 Place your fingers on the target area to feel for a pulse. Press your fingers firmly, but not too hard, so that you can clearly feel the pulse. Place your index and ring fingers between your throat and the large muscle in your neck to locate the carotid artery. If you are measuring your heart rate at the wrist, press your fingers against the radial artery, which is located between the bone and tendon.
   • Do not press too hard on the carotid artery, as this may make you dizzy.
   • Find the radial artery by drawing a line from your thumb to your wrist with your finger. Stop when you feel a slight throbbing between your wrist and tendon.
   • For more precision, place the flat side of your finger on your wrist or neck. Do not put your fingertips or thumb on.
4. 4 Turn your attention to the clock. Count the number of heartbeats in 10, 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Take off your watch so you can keep track of the time and count your heartbeats at the same time.
5. 5 Count the number of heartbeats. When the clock reaches zero, start counting your heartbeat on your neck or wrist. Continue counting until the specified number of seconds has elapsed.
   • Rest for five minutes before measuring your heart rate to get the most accurate heart rate readings. Measure your heart rate during your workout to determine the intensity of your workout.
6. 6 Determine your heart rate. Write down or remember how many heartbeats you felt. Heart rate is measured in beats per minute.
   • For example, if you count 41 beats in 30 seconds, multiply that number by 2 to get 82 beats per minute. If you counted hits over 10 seconds, multiply them by 6, and if over 15 seconds, multiply by 4.

Method 2 of 2: Measuring your heart rate with a heart rate monitor

1. 1 Take an electronic heart rate monitor. If you are unable to measure your heart rate manually, want to determine it during exercise, or are interested in more accurate readings, use an electronic heart rate monitor. Borrow it from someone you know, or buy it from your local health care store or major supermarket. Use a smartwatch or download a smartphone app to measure your heart rate. Here is a list of some of the features to look out for:
   • a suitable wristband or strap;
   • the presence of a convenient display;
   • compliance with individual needs and affordability;
   • Please note that heart rate measurement using the app is not always accurate.
2. 2 Secure the heart rate monitor to yourself. Read the instructions for using the device. Place the sensor in the desired location to check your heart rate. Most transducers attach to your chest, finger, or wrist.
3. 3 Turn on the power to the sensor and start it. When you're ready to check your heart rate, activate the sensor. To get accurate readings, make sure the sensor is zeroed.
4. 4 Find out your results. When the sensor takes a reading, it will automatically display it on the screen. Take a look at the display and write down your current heart rate.
   • Save your measurements to track your heart rate over time.

Tips

• The normal heart rate of a healthy person ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. The following factors can affect your heart rate: fitness level, strong emotions, body volume, and medication intake.

Warnings

• When checking your pulse, do not press too hard on your neck or wrist. Pressing too hard, especially on the neck, can cause dizziness and loss of balance.
• If your heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you are not a trained athlete and your heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute, see your doctor, especially if you have symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, or shortness of breath.
• The pulse should be steady and regular. If you notice frequent skips or extra strokes, call your doctor as this could indicate a heart problem.