How to measure resting heart rate
Disease description:
Recently, my husband mentioned that his heart has been beating faster. After visiting the doctor, he was advised to measure his heart rate under a resting condition for comparison. How is the resting heart rate measured?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xin
Resting heart rate, also known as static heart rate, is measured when the body is in a quiet and inactive state. The following are several common measurement methods:
1. Choose an appropriate time: preferably in the morning right after waking up, before the body begins any activity.
2. Locate a pulse point: the most commonly used are the radial artery on the wrist or the carotid artery on the neck. For the radial artery, gently place your index and middle fingers under the bone on the thumb side of your wrist; for the carotid artery, gently place your fingers beside the Adam's apple.
3. Count: keep your fingers in place and begin counting the number of heartbeats. You can count for 6 seconds, 15 seconds, or 30 seconds and then multiply by the corresponding factor (e.g., multiply by 10 if counting for 6 seconds) to obtain the number of beats per minute.
4. Record the result: note down the calculated number of heartbeats per minute. Measuring and recording at the same time each day over several consecutive days can help you more accurately understand your resting heart rate.
Other measurement methods include:
1. Stethoscope method: use a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat and count the number of beats per minute. A normal resting heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
2. Pulse counting method: count the number of pulse beats by touching the radial artery on the wrist. Usually, count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to obtain the measured heart rate. For patients with irregular heartbeats, especially those with atrial fibrillation, it is recommended to count the heart rate for a full minute.
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG) method: under a physician's guidance, use an ECG to measure heart rate by counting the number of cardiac cycles per minute on the ECG tracing. This method is highly accurate but must be performed in a medical setting.
Regardless of the method used, ensure that the body is in a calm and comfortable state during measurement, avoiding vigorous activity or emotional fluctuations.
