Don’t use your thumb to check your pulse. An artery runs through your thumb, so you might double-count your pulse this way. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source You usually only need to press softly. If you can’t find the pulse, press a little harder or move your fingers around. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
It’s normal to occasionally skip a beat, but if your pulse has an irregular rhythm for the whole 30 seconds, especially if it is very fast and/or you are over 65, you might have a condition called atrial fibrillation. This is rarely life-threatening, but it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
For the most accurate reading, repeat this a couple more times. Take the average of the three results ((first result + second result + third result) ÷ 3). [5] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
The “contact” apps that have you place your finger against the camera are more accurate than the “non-contact” apps that only ask you to show your face to the camera. [7] X Research source
The sensors on these trackers have more trouble getting an accurate reading through darker skin, including tattoos and birthmarks. [9] X Research source
Monitors with a strap that wraps around your chest are the most accurate. This is the only type of fitness tracker recommended for cardiac patients. (Note that some older models have trouble working near electrical devices. )[10] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Wristwatch sensors are less reliable, especially on dark skin and during vigorous exercise. [11] X Research source They’re an okay option for people looking for general feedback and exercise motivation, but not for precise data. Handgrip monitors found on exercise equipment are very unreliable. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
A Holter monitor is a small ECG device you wear for a day or two. A doctor might recommend this if your heart-related symptoms happen on most days, but too unpredictably to be detected at the doctor’s office. An event monitor is a similar device that can be worn for weeks at a time. When you feel an abnormal heartbeat, you press a button to record your ECG.
If a doctor asks you to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure at home, ask the doctor to test your device against the office equipment first. Some models for home use can be inaccurate. [14] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
If the ECG detects nothing wrong but you are concerned about your symptoms, ask a doctor about a wearable ECG device. Your doctor may ask you to do a stress test, taking an ECG while you exercise with increasing intensity. The results can give you a personalized picture of your heart health and what exercise levels are safe and healthy for you.
You haven’t exercised, had caffeine, or been stressed in the last hour or two. [17] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Sitting or standing is fine, but change positions first if you have been in the same position for a long time. [18] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Wait 20 seconds after standing up. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source You are not experiencing any intense emotions. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
Your maximum healthy heart rate in beats per minute is about 220 - your age. For example, if you are 55, it is about 220 - 55 = 165. Multiply this by 0. 7 to get a rough target: 165 x 0. 7 = ~116 beats per minute. (Or use 0. 64 and 0. 76 to get the lower and upper bounds. )[22] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
For example, if you are 55, your max heart rate is 220 - 55 = ~165, and your vigorous exercise target is 165 x 0. 85 = ~140 beats per minute. Calculate the lower bound of your target heart rate by using 0. 77 instead of 0. 85. Calculate the upper bound using 0. 93. [24] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
You have a heart condition or take medication that affects your heart rate. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source You want to start a vigorous exercise routine and are a male over 45, a female over 55, have diabetes, or have a risk factor for heart disease. You are an elite athlete looking for extra-accurate measurements. If you can’t visit a trainer right now, the formulas “(maximum heart rate - resting heart rate) x 0. 7” and “(max heart rate - resting heart rate) x 0. 85” will give you a target range for vigorous exercise that takes into account a low resting heart rate.
Athletes often have a heart rate below 60 at rest because their heart is in good shape, so each beat pumps more blood through their body. If you have excellent fitness and do not have any other symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath, there is no need to be concerned about a low heart rate. [26] X Research source
Low heart rate (bradycardia) can cause fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness. [28] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source High heart rate (tachycardia) can cause shortness of breath, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, chest pain, or fainting. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
