Come on, what's your normal pulse rate

Checking the pulse can be a sign of whether the heart is working properly or not. Come on, check whether you have a normal pulse or not. The pulse rate is the number of times the arteries (clean blood vessels) expand and contract in one minute in response to a heartbeat. The number of pulses is the same as the heartbeat. This is because heart contractions cause an increase in blood pressure and pulse in the arteries. Measuring the pulse is the same as measuring the heart rate.

What is the normal pulse rate?

The amount of a person's pulse can be different from someone else's. Low pulse rate usually occurs when we are resting, and increases when exercising. Then, what is the ideal number of normal pulses? The average human pulse beats about 60-100 times per minute. People who are accustomed to exercising, such as athletes, usually have a lower normal heart rate, which is about 40 times per minute. However, many experts assume that the standard normal pulse rate should be changed to 50-70 times per minute. A recent study revealed, if a person's pulse at rest is more than 80 times per minute, then the risk of having a heart attack will be even higher, although this value is considered normal by the standards used now. Rapid pulse can be caused by various things, namely by physical activity; anemia; taking certain drugs and substances, such as caffeine, amphetamines, cold medicines, cigarettes, and alcohol; having a fever or suffering from certain conditions, such as hyperthyroidism; and psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress. While low pulse at rest can be caused by heart disease, heart failure, taking medications for heart disease, good fitness, and underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). While a weak pulse can be caused by bleeding or severe dehydration that causes shock, or problems with the heart such as cardiac arrest and heart failure.

What affects the pulse?

• Age

Normal pulse rate in children tends to be higher than in adults. Whereas in the elderly, heart rate tends to be lower.

• Air temperature

When the temperature and humidity is high, the heart pumps more blood. As a result, the pulse will also increase about 5-10 times per minute.

• Body position

The pulse when we are lying down, sitting, or standing, is the same. Sometimes while sitting / lying down then standing, the pulse can rise slightly for 15-20 seconds. However, after a few minutes, the pulse will return to normal.

• Emotions

Emotions can increase your pulse rate, especially if you are stressed, anxious, very excited, or shocked.

• Body size

Obese people may have a higher pulse rate, but usually not more than 100.

• Drug side effects

Medications that block the hormone adrenaline tend to slow the pulse. Conversely, consuming too much thyroid medication will increase the pulse rate.

Come on, check your normal pulse

If you're curious whether you have a normal pulse or not, here's how to check it:

• Place and press the tips of the index and middle fingers on the base of the thumb on the wrist, groin, or on the front neck / side of the throat.
• Pay attention to the hour hand and count the pulse for 15 seconds. Multiply the pulse by the number 4. For example if for 15 seconds, your pulse rate is 20, then multiply 20 by 4, and get 80. This means your pulse beats 80 times per minute (20x4 = 80).

The pulse is usually checked to find out whether the heart is functioning properly or not, to find signs of disease, to check blood flow after injury, and as part of an examination of vital signs in general. You can check for yourself whether you have a normal pulse, by following the steps above. If the pulse is too fast or slow accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, fainting, headaches, and shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.