What does pulse rate mean

However, if you don't exercise regularly, you should check with your doctor before you set a target heart rate. Some medications—particularly beta blockers—can lower your heart rate. Your doctor can help you set realistic goals. Although you may be able to feel your blood pumping in a number of places—your neck, the inside of your elbow, and even the top of your foot—your wrist is probably the most convenient and reliable place to get a good pulse.

Press your index and middle fingers together on your wrist, below the fat pad of your thumb. Feel around lightly until you detect throbbing. If you press too hard you may suppress the pulse. You can probably get a pretty accurate reading by counting the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiplying that number by four.

The best time to get your resting heart rate is first thing in the morning, even before you get out of bed. To gauge your maximum heart rate, take your pulse immediately after exercising as vigorously as possible. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. High Blood Pressure. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. Blood Pressure Toolkit. Recovery becomes so much more manageable when you have the right kind of emotional support.

Our online community of survivors and caregivers is here to keep you going no matter the obstacles. What should you know about your heart rate? Where is it and what is a normal heart rate? A fast, irregular heart beat can be triggered by anxiety or emotional stress, but it may also be a symptom of a condition atrial fibrillation. Dr Kenneth Ng, cardiologist, explains. A history of heart disease in the family is a risk factor, so go for a heart screening to identify any problems early.

Emotional stress has been shown to trigger heart attacks. Sometimes known as broken heart syndrome, it may be triggered by episodes of grief, anger or fear. Guys — listen up. Men generally face a higher risk of heart disease than women.

Yet, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women. Any form of aerobic exercise is good for the heart. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Smokers are up to 3 times more likely to suffer heart attacks.

The sooner you quit, the more you can reduce your chances of getting sick. Your sporting preference can say a lot about your personality. Here are the exercises that best suit your character — and how they can help your heart health. When it comes to heart procedures, the last thing you need is for the treatment to burn a hole in your wallet. Talk to your insurance agent and find out how to get yourself covered.

The left ventricular assist device is increasingly becoming a viable option for heart failure patients around the world. Heart stents open blocked arteries that can cause heart attacks and lessen the risk of clogged arteries in the future.

Cardiologist Dr Lim Yean Teng talks us through the procedure and how it prevents heart disease. Think heart attack symptoms are obvious to spot? Here are 5 things you never knew about heart disease, heart attacks and high blood pressure. An active lifestyle may not guarantee your immunity to heart attacks.

We explore the increasing occurrence of heart attacks among athletes and why they happen. People who have just lost somebody dear to them often describe the feeling as heartbreaking. The price of high blood pressure means you shouldn't ignore making healthy lifestyle choices. These simple changes to your habits can do wonders for your heart.

A pioneering surgery for heart disease is proving quicker and safer than conventional alternatives.

Coronary artery bypass grafting CABG can remove blockages in the arteries that severely restrict the flow of blood to the heart, helping you lead a more active life.

Coronary angiograms, coronary artery bypass grafting CABG and heart stenting are 3 common procedures for detecting and treating coronary heart disease. In fact, the leading cause of death by far among diabetics is heart disease.

Heart health screening may cost you some money. But maintaining a healthy heart can help to save your life. Here are a few suggestions. TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure that offers hope to patients too old or too ill for conventional aortic valve replacement operations.

Know what to expect by asking your cardiologist these 5 questions. Watch out for these habits among teenagers that may increase their risk of developing heart disease. Cardiologists can provide expert advice to athletes.

Various kinds of jobs create different types of stress, and whether the stress becomes harmful depends on the individual. Complications arising from diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease often result in patients losing a limb, but it does not have to be that way.

Heart attacks are the 2nd most common cause of death after cancer in Singapore — but help is available for if you are diagnosed and treated early. This is a phenomenon that has been rearing its head much more in recent years. Athlete or not, it is important to understand its possible causes.

Heart attack symptoms in women are often 'silent' but the consequences of not noticing them can be life threatening. Besides frequent heart screenings, knowing the signs can help prevent heart attacks. Follow us Orchard Novena. Last updated on 23 February Unless you are medically trained, you will most likely find it hard to tell what is going on inside your body and even harder to ascertain if your heart is functioning at an optimal level. How to calculate your resting heart rate?

What is a normal heart rate? When your heart rate is irregular An abnormal heart beat is medically known as arrhythmia. It could happen if you have: Heart disease Imbalance of electrolytes such as sodium or potassium in your blood Changes in your heart muscle or structure of your heart Injury from a heart attack Healing process after heart surgery When your heart beats too fast Doctors call it tachycardia when your heart beats very fast for a reason other than exercise, high fever or stress.

How can I lower my heart rate? The following are some of the ways you can do this: Exercise. Physical activity can help to strengthen your heart. Quit smoking. Smoking causes the narrowing of arteries and veins, resulting in a higher heart rate. By quitting smoking, your heart rate can be brought down to a healthier level. When you are stressed, certain hormones race through your blood, causing your heart rate to increase.

Activities that promote a restful state such as meditation and yoga can help to lower stress levels and heart rate over time. When your heart beats too slow On the other hand, when your resting heart rate is very slow, doctors call this bradycardia. Crossing into the danger zone? View Profile See Articles. In this article. Is this article helpful? Yes No.