Be Pulse Aware. How to Check Your Heart Rate Manually and What is a Pulse Oximeter By Mark Etinger At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

A person’s pulse or pulse rate is a measurement of the number of heartbeats per minute. The pulse rate varies from one person to another but the pulse is always an overall view of an individual’s health.

Our pulse rates increase when we are physically active and decrease when we are in the stage of rest. Knowing your pulse rate and how to measure pulse is very important, especially for people who exercise regularly and need to evaluate their overall training program.

A person should also know his normal heart rate in order to correctly assess higher pulse levels in stressful surroundings or medical emergencies, and better understand the severity the higher pulse rate.

Pulse can be easily found on several parts of our body. Common places to check pulse are the wrist, neck or even groin and at the top of the foot. Most people find their pulse on the wrist - this is the radial pulse. All you need in order to check your pulse is a watch. Here’s how to do it:

• Place your hand on a table with the palm facing up.
• Put your index finger and middle finger on your wrist, about 1 inch below the base of the hand.
• Press your fingers on the middle tendon and the outside bone. Feel the throbbing? Congratulations, you just found your pulse.
• Now count the beats for 10 seconds, multiply the number by 6 and calculate your heart rate.

During physical exercise, it is easier to check the pulse on your neck, using two fingers on the carotid artery. By the way, you shouldn’t use your thumb when checking heart rate because sometimes it has a pulse.

If you’re reading this while sitting down and resting, your pulse rate should be anywhere between 60 – 100. This is a normal range for the average adult. But if you notice that your pulse rate is above 90 on a regular basis, it is recommended to speak with your doctor.

People who are more active would sometimes have a lower heart rate, around 40 or 60, depending on their daily exercise routine. But low pulse can also be abnormal and dangerous, especially if there is a general feeling of tiredness and low-energy.

And what about Pulse Oximeter? When a patient is under medical treatment, a pulse oximeter is a special device that automatically checks the patient’s heart rate. A pulse oximeter also measures the oxygen saturation in the blood, and when attached to a special screen it allows the staff to constantly monitor the patient’s condition. The pulse oximeters are non invasive, and usually measure pulse rates through the finger or earlobe.

If you need more information about pulse oximeters, know that Venture Respiratory is here to provide you with expert advice, great service and low prices for all of your sleep therapy and respiratory needs. If you are looking for oxygen supply, CPAP Machines, CPAP masks, parts and accessories, including humidifiers, filters, cushions, and mask parts at cheap prices, head on to www.ventureresp.com and take a deep, sweet breath.

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