Pulse (Meaning and Explanation)

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

Pulse - Heart rate — Depending on the age ranges, different expected parameters are observed.

What is pulse?

The pulse is a arterial movement generated by heartbeats and serves as its measurement. They are the heartbeat that causes the arteries to expand and contract as blood circulates through the body.

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

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

Where is the pulse measured?

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

Neck
Doll
Temple
Inside of the knees
Groin
Internal surface of the foot

Normal pulsation patterns

Depending on the age ranges, different expected parameters are observed, these are:

Up to 1 month old. The heart rate is higher than in the rest of the vital stages, having between 70 to 190 beats per minute.
1-11 months old The heart rate begins to decrease until it is between 80 and 160 beats per minute.
1-2 years old The pulse is usually between 80 to 130 beats per minute.
3-4 years old The descent to 80 to 120 beats per minute follows.
5- 6 years old They present 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 usually settles between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

You may be interested: Health (according to WHO)

How is the pulse measured?

First you have to be clear about the objective of the measurement, for example, if you want to know what levels are reached when doing cardiovascular activity, this will be done at the end of the physical exercise. Otherwise, it will need to rest for at least 10 minutes before measuring.
Then, the index and middle fingers are placed on some of the previously mentioned areas, ideally on the place where the artery passes. Press lightly until a pulse is detected and hold there for a minute, counting the pulses. Or, for 30 seconds and then multiply by two.
If you want to measure through 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 can be significant differences depending on the situation in which they are found, so the number of beats per minute will not be the same at rest and in cardiovascular activity. The same happens with age, health, sex or even experiencing a certain type of emotion.