How to count heart rate

Measuring heart rate, which is also known as measuring pulse rate, is most commonly performed by palpating the radial artery on the wrist or the carotid artery on the neck. The following are the specific steps:

1. Manual self-measurement: The patient should sit and place the palm of the right hand facing upward on a table. Locate the pulse point and gently place the index and middle fingers on the pulse point on the thumb side of the wrist, or on the large arteries on either side of the neck's Adam's apple. Apply light pressure with the fingers, focus attention, and count the number of pulse beats. Ensure that pressure is not too strong, so as not to interfere with the normal flow of the pulse.

2. Using a stethoscope: The patient sits on a chair. The operator locates the apical impulse area on the patient's left chest, below the nipple. The operator places the earpieces of the stethoscope into the ear canals and positions the chest piece over the patient's apical impulse area. Record the number of cardiac beats per minute, which gives the heart rate.

The normal heart rate range for a healthy adult is generally between 60 and 100 beats per minute, although this value may vary depending on individual physical condition, age, health status, activity level, and other factors. Avoid emotional excitement, smoking, alcohol consumption, or strenuous exercise before measuring heart rate.