How do you Take your Own Pulse?

QUESTION: I have a heart problem and have been advised to take my pulse every
evening. How do you take your own pulse rate? Do I have to buy a special
machine to do so?
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ANSWER: Absolutely not. You can easily take your own pulse in a minute and
all you need is a stop watch or a clock with a second hand. You can determine
your pulse rate at several points of your body. The inner wrist (the radial
pulse) and the side of the neck (either side of the Adam's Apple for the
carotid artery) are the most common points. Place your first two fingers on
either of the pulse points, and using the stopwatch or clock, count the pulse
beats for a full minute. People with regular pulse beats can save a bit of
time by taking the pulse rate for only 30 seconds and multiplying by 2, but
the full minute count is always the most accurate. If your pulse seems
irregular or the count is much faster or slower than normal, wait a few
minutes and take it again. Many patients with heart problems are advised to
take their own pulse rates. People who have pacemakers, those who've had open
heart surgery, and those taking medication that may affect their heart rate
can get an early warning on problems by checking their pulse daily for signs
of change. It's one of the simplest ways of keeping track of one of your own
vital functions, and I'll bet your Family Physician will be pleased to teach
you the method the next time you visit the office.