Health Topics for Exercise and Fitness

Smoking Cessation

Heart rate: how to count

Checking a pulse is an easy way to determine heart rate. Resting heart rate should be counted for 60 seconds. Counting a resting pulse rate in less time increases the chance of error. During exercise, 6 or 10 second pulse checks can be used. If the pulse is counted for 6 seconds, multiply by 10 to get the heart rate in beats per minute. If the 10-second count is used, multiply by 6 to get beats per minute.

Two easy methods can be used when checking pulse rate. One method checks the pulse at the wrist, called the radial pulse, and the other is at the neck, called the carotid pulse.

For a radial pulse check, use the tips of your index and middle finger. The radial artery can be found on the thumb side of either wrist. It lies just a little below the base of the thumb. The pulsing of the artery will be felt when the fingers are in the right place. Hold gently. Digital watches or those with second hands can be used. After locating the radial pulse, begin your count with "zero" on the starting time mark; then count the pulses for the desired time length.

The carotid pulse check is taken in a place just below the jaw along the windpipe and along the throat. Use the fingertips of the index and middle fingers to press gently. Do not move your fingers around in a massaging motion while trying to find your carotid pulse. This can lower your blood pressure and cause dizziness. The same counting systems used for the radial pulse check can be used for the carotid pulse check.

When taking a pulse check always stop exercising. Check your pulse quickly. Do not wait a few seconds to rest before beginning to count. If this happens, the pulse rate will not be accurate. Resume exercising immediately after the pulse check so your heart rate does not have time to slow down out of your training heart rate range.

Knowing your pulse rate is helpful in evaluating the progress of an exercise program. Anyone taking heart medications or who has a pacemaker should keep a log of their exercise pulse checks. This information will help determine the needs and effectiveness of your treatment.

For those more serious about the benefits of aerobic training, a heart rate monitor is a wise investment. New technology has made the heart rate monitor both affordable and accurate.

Last Reviewed: 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File EXER4499.rf2 VRS# 7451 (See SPOR3324) Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2000 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.