At each heart contraction the arteries pulse, when blood forces the way through them. It is possible to feel it, for example, on the wrist. A pulse rate of the adult person at rest is equal to 70 beatings in a minute on the average. At physical activity the pulse rate increases, as heart should work faster to deliver to muscles more oxygen.

So, the more economic metabolic processes are, the smaller is quantity of contractions the heart does in a time unit (the pulse is more tardive), the more is life time. It is necessary to take pulse indications regularly.

The following properties of the pulse are detected: rhythm, pulse rate, pressure, the strength of the pulse, size and form of the pulse. Healthy person has cardiac beats and pulse waves that follow one after another at regular intervals, which means the pulse is rhythmical. In normal conditions the pulse rate corresponds to heart rate and is equal to 60-80 beats a minute. A pulse rate is counted up within 1 minute. In a prone position pulse is 10 beats more rare on the average, than in the upright position. Physical people have a pulse rate below 60 beats per minute, and the trained sportsmen have pulse up to 40-50 beats per minute which specifies an economic heart work. At a rest condition a cardiac beat depends on age, sex and pose. With the years it decreases. Healthy person has at rest a rhythmical, trouble-free pulse with good strength and tension.

How to take the pulse

You should take the pulse always in the same position (lying, sitting or standing). For example, take the pulse in the morning right after you are awaken still lying in bed. Before exercises and after them - sitting. Defining the pulse rate, it is necessary to remember that cardio - vascular system is very sensitive to various influences (emotional, physical activities, etc.). That is why the quietest pulse is registered in the morning, right after awakening, in horizontal position. Before training it can essentially raise. Put on your wrist your forefinger and your middle finger on the reverse side of the wrist.

A lateral side of the neck: put two fingers on a lateral side of your neck below an ear and a maxillary bone. In both cases move your fingers, until you grope for the pulse.