What is a normal pulse rate and when should you be concerned?

The pulse is the "wave" of blood in the arteries, which is directly related to the activity of the heart. It determines the heart rate, and is therefore widely used in the diagnosis, control and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

How to measure your pulse?

Today, this indicator is measured in 3 main ways - by palpating an artery (usually on the wrist or neck) and by counting the "waves" using a blood pressure monitor or pulse oximeter. The pulse is usually determined by doctors during palpation, and at home it is most convenient to use a blood pressure monitor for this. Practically all blood pressure monitors measure pulse rate, and some determine not only the rate, but also detect irregular heart activity (for example, Omron M2 classic, Omron M3 comfort or Microlife BP B2, all modern Nissei and LD blood pressure machines). A pulse oximeter is usually used in hospitals, but patients with constant problems with pulse or heart activity are recommended to have one at home.

Normal pulse rate

The normal pulse rate depends on the age of the person. It is higher in newborns and lower in adults. The normal heart rate (HR) for newborns up to 3 months is 100 - 150 beats per minute.

For babies from 3 to 6 months 90 - 120

For babies from 6 to 12 months 80 – 120

For children from 1 to 10 years old 70 – 130

For children from 10 years old and adults 60 – 90

However, we would like to point out that the normal pulse rate is individual, and the norm is only indicative. For example, professional athletes usually have a trained heart that expels a lot of blood during one contraction, so fewer such contractions are needed to supply the body with blood. 40 beats per minute may be a completely normal indicator for such athletes.

Too frequent and too rare HR

HRV is closely related to blood pressure. The higher the blood pressure, the faster the heart beats and vice versa. If blood pressure is above normal, it also causes an increase in pulse, which is normal. You should be concerned if your blood pressure is normal, but your pulse is very low or high. If this is detected frequently (several times a week), you should consult a doctor, as such a condition must be treated.

Irregular pulse

The pulse is characterized not only by its frequency, but also by many other indicators, among which rhythm is one of the most important. An irregular pulse can be easily detected during palpation, it is indicated by most modern blood pressure monitors. Irregular pulse can be a symptom of many diseases. One of the most common causes of an irregular pulse is arrhythmia. Heart palpitations, several beats in a row, pauses in the work of the heart and other conditions can be detected during pulse measurement. If pulse irregularities are detected when palpating an artery or during blood pressure measurement more than 2-3 times a week, be sure to consult a doctor.

Which blood pressure monitor is best at detecting pulse irregularities?

In case of problems with the pulse, aceso.lt recommends using blood pressure monitors of the Microlife AFIB series. They were specially designed to maximize the assessment of the pulse during blood pressure measurement. For example, the Microlife BP B3 AFIB blood pressure monitor detects pulse arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, so your heart palpitations will definitely not go unnoticed. The duration of the measurement has a significant impact on the detection of arrhythmia and pulse irregularities. The longer the measurement is performed, the easier it is to notice irregular heart activity. The Microlife BP B3 AFIB blood pressure monitor has a MAM mode, during which 3 measurements are performed in a row, and the data of all these measurements are evaluated when determining pulse irregularities. In addition, this device is clinically approved and recommended for use not only for ordinary patients, but also for pregnant women, those who are very overweight, patients with hypotension, diabetes, and patients with kidney failure.

We recommend the following blood pressure monitors:

Therefore, monitoring your pulse is essential to assess your health. It is necessary to assess not only its frequency, but also its regularity, dependence on blood pressure, and other parameters. Blood pressure monitors, which are usually used by older people almost every day, help to do this. Do not ignore irregular pulse, rare or very frequent arrhythmia, measure and evaluate this indicator as often as possible and stay healthy.