Your pulse rate isn't just a number — it is a powerful, direct indicator of your cardiovascular health. Whether you’re managing a health condition, diligently tracking your fitness levels, or simply paying attention to your body, knowing how to check your pulse rate can offer you valuable insights.
It:
Empowers you to understand how your heart responds to a stressful moment, physical activity, or rest.
Can even alert you to potential irregularities early on.
For this reason, interventional cardiologists suggest regular pulse monitoring as a simple yet effective way to track your heart’s performance over time.
This guide helps you understand what a normal pulse is and shows you how to check your own pulse accurately at home — helping you stay mindful of your heart’s rhythm and well-being.
What is a Normal Pulse Rate?
A normal pulse rate — also called heart rate — represents how many times your heart beats per minute.
The table below shows normal pulse rate ranges for different age groups:
Age Group
Normal Pulse Rate (bpm)
Newborns (0–1 month)
70–190
Infants (1–11 months)
80–160
Children (1–2 years)
80–130
Children (3–4 years)
80–120
Children (5–6 years)
75–115
Children (7–9 years)
70–110
Ages 10 and older
60–100
Well-conditioned athletes
40–60
Now that we have understood what a normal pulse rate is and seen the ranges, next, let’s explore the factors that influence your pulse.
Factors Affecting Your Pulse
Your pulse rate isn’t constant (non-static); it can be affected by several factors:
Age
Fitness levels
Physical activity (raises your heart rate naturally)
Periods of rest (slow down your heart rate)
Emotional states — such as anxiety, stress, or excitement (increase your heart rate temporarily)
Environmental factors — like high altitude or hot weather (may elevate your heart rate)
Certain medications
Caffeine intake
Dehydration
Next — let’s see when changes in your pulse require medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While occasional fluctuations are normal, certain patterns warrant attention:
A consistently low pulse
A consistently high pulse (above 100 bpm at rest)
Irregular rhythms
Skipped beats
Symptoms like chest discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath
Everyone's normal range differs slightly. Hence, checking your pulse regularly under similar conditions — same time of day, same activity level — to identify your personal baseline becomes highly important. This reference point makes it easier to spot unusual changes that might need medical attention.
Next — let’s learn how to check your pulse easily at home.
How Can I Check My Pulse at Home?
Follow these six steps for measuring your pulse rate:
1. Choose the Right Time
Check your pulse upon waking, before getting out of bed, or after resting quietly for at least five minutes.
Avoid checking your pulse immediately after eating, consuming caffeine, exercising, or smoking — as these can temporarily raise your heart rate.
2. Locate Your Pulse Point
Two locations work best for self-checks:
Wrist (Radial Pulse) — Turn your palm upward, and locate the area just below the base of your thumb.
Neck (Carotid Pulse) — Gently place your fingers on either side of your windpipe, just beneath your jawbone.
3. Use Proper Finger Placement
Place your index and middle fingers on the pulse point.
Apply gentle but steady pressure to feel the pulse clearly — as pressing too hard, particularly on the neck, can restrict blood flow and result in an inaccurate reading.
4. Count and Calculate the Beats
Count the number of beats for 30 seconds, using a clock/timer.
Multiply the number by two to acquire your beats per minute.
For an accurate reading — especially if you notice irregularities — count for a full 60 seconds.
Stay focused to avoid losing count.
5. Assess the Rhythm
Observe the rhythm of your pulse.
Watch for any irregularities — such as skipped beats or uneven intervals.
6. Keep Records
Maintain a log of your pulse readings — including date, time, and relevant circumstances (before/after exercise, during stress, etc.).
If you still have trouble locating your pulse:
Try a different location.
Adjust your finger placement.
Ensure you’re not tensing your muscles and are relaxed.
Try the neck pulse point, which is often easier to feel.
Some people naturally have less noticeable pulses — so, ask a healthcare professional to demonstrate the proper technique during your next visit.
Next — let’s explore the proper fingers and pulse locations to check your pulse accurately.
How to Check Your Pulse Rate Accurately
One common question that arises when checking a pulse is, “Which finger is the pulse on?” This reflects a common misconception — the pulse isn't “on” any particular finger but rather depends on which fingers you use to feel it.
Wondering, “How to check my pulse accurately”? Let’s break it down.
Right Fingers to Use and Fingers to Avoid
Always use your index and middle fingers when checking your pulse, because these fingers are more sensitive — making it easier to measure accurately.
Your index and middle fingers create a sensitive surface area that allows you to gently but effectively locate and count arterial pulsations, ensuring the most reliable, precise readings when monitoring your heart rate.
Avoid using your thumb — as it has its own “strong” pulse that can interfere with accurate counting, resulting in inaccurate readings.
Radial Pulse (Wrist) — The most common location for routine checks; it is easily accessible and is usually reliable for self-checking.
Carotid Pulse (Neck) — Often stronger than the radial pulse; it is easier to detect during or immediately after exercise, or when your blood pressure is low.
Other Pulse Points
Locations where arteries pass close to the skin, including:
Behind your knee (popliteal artery)
On the inner thigh (femoral artery)
On the inner ankle (posterior tibial artery)
On the top of your foot (dorsalis pedis artery)
The inside of your elbow (brachial artery)
However, these pulse points are usually monitored by healthcare professionals during medical examinations — rather than being used for regular self-checks.
Monitor Your Pulse for Better Health
Checking your pulse is a simple yet valuable way to monitor your cardiovascular health; hence, make pulse monitoring part of your regular health routine.
At Dr. Karthigesan Clinic in Chennai, we specialise in comprehensive cardiac care and personalised heart health management. Whether you're monitoring your pulse, managing a heart condition, or seeking preventive guidance, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
Dr Karthigesan A.M is an Electrophysiologist in Chennai, and a Senior Consultant Cardiologist, practising at the renowned Apollo Hospital in Chennai. He also conducts frequent consultations at Apollo's branches in Madurai, Trichy, and Guwahati. He holds an international certification in Cardiac Electrophysiology, making him an expert in his field. Read More
