Introduction to Taking a Pulse
Taking a Pulse
People take a pulse for many reasons:
- To check how their body responds to exercise
- To check the effects of a medicine
- To check when they feel physical distress (e.g., “feeling “funny” or “different”, dizzy or lightheaded)
When you are learning how to take your own pulse or someone else’s, it is helpful to first learn what a normal pulse feels like. By practicing and getting used to feeling a “normal” pulse, it then becomes easier for you to detect abnormalities or differences in a pulse.
Here is Ivan's Story:
“My father is 70 years old and has had diabetes for many years. Because of his diabetes, he also has heart disease. The doctor has him on two different heart medicines and wants me to check his pulse regularly to be sure the medicines are not having the wrong effect. I check my father’s pulse when I go over each evening to his house. I have him sit in his chair for about 15 minutes and then I check it. The doctor told me to try to get the pulse after my father has rested for a few minutes. At first I had trouble feeling his pulse, but I was pressing too hard. Now, I can feel it pretty easily.