What Is Pulse and Why Is It Important?
Pulse, although commonly known as the heartbeat, actually refers to the pressure exerted by the blood on the vessel walls with each heart contraction and the rhythmic fluctuation that occurs in the vessels in response to this pressure. As the heart contracts and relaxes, it sends blood to the aorta, the main artery, and from there to the entire body. Because blood vessels are elastic, they respond to this blood flow by expanding and contracting. The pulse can be easily felt by touching areas close to the surface, such as the wrist, neck, temple, or groin.
Each person's pulse value may vary depending on many factors such as age, gender, general health status, body temperature, hormonal changes, daily physical or emotional activities, medications used, and various diseases. It is completely natural for the pulse to increase or decrease during periods of stress, exercise, illness, or emotional changes. What is important here is that the pulse is regular and rhythmic.
In individuals who engage in regular physical activity, especially athletes, the pulse measured at rest may be lower than the population average. The pulse provides information not only about how fast the heart is beating, but also about the heart's rhythm, your fitness, and certain health conditions. Significant changes in pulse can be observed in cases such as heart and valve diseases, severe bleeding, thyroid disorders, nervous system diseases, and brain hemorrhages.
In healthy adults, the resting heart rate generally ranges between 60-80 beats/minute.
What Should the Normal Pulse Range Be?
The rhythmic nature of the pulse and its presence within a certain range are indicators of a healthy circulatory system. Although each individual's pulse value varies, the normal resting heart rate in healthy adults is generally considered to be between 60-100 beats/minute. In people who are actively involved in sports, this value can drop to as low as 45-60 beats/minute. A low resting pulse may indicate that the heart is working more efficiently.
A high heart rate increases the risk of stroke or heart attack, so regular measurements at rest can provide early awareness. If your pulse measured at rest is between 50-70, this can be considered ideal; 70-85 is generally considered normal; if it is 85 or above, it may be considered a high pulse. However, it should be remembered that the pulse alone is not diagnostic and each individual's personal health characteristics differ.
Measuring your pulse at regular intervals, especially if you have any complaints or risk factors, helps you detect possible health problems early. However, if there are symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, or fainting along with an unusually low pulse, it is necessary to consult a cardiology specialist without delay. Although high pulse is often due to temporary causes (such as exercise or stress), if it remains persistently high at rest, it should definitely be investigated. Smoking and anemia can also cause an increase in pulse. A significant decrease in pulse a few months after quitting smoking is generally considered a positive change.
How Is Pulse Measured?
Pulse measurement should generally be performed while at rest and calm in order to obtain a reliable result. You can find the average value by measuring at different times of the day. You can feel the pulse by gently pressing three fingers on the arteries located on both sides of the neck, or just behind the thumb on the wrist. When you detect the pulse on the vessel with your fingers, count the beats for 60 seconds using a stopwatch or clock. The number obtained is your current pulse value.
If you wish, you can also use digital blood pressure monitors or smart health devices. In addition, if there is irregularity in the heart rhythm (commonly known as 'skipping'), it is recommended to consult your doctor. In individuals diagnosed with arrhythmia, direct heart auscultation should be performed for accurate pulse measurement if possible. Regular monitoring of the pulse plays an important role in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular and many systemic diseases.
What Are the Causes of High Pulse (Tachycardia)?
When the heart rate is faster than normal, it is called "tachycardia." A high pulse can result from many conditions such as heart failure, infections, thyroid diseases, uncontrolled goiter, severe bleeding, or some chronic illnesses. In cases of severe bleeding, the heart starts to beat faster to deliver enough oxygen to the tissues, but when there is significant blood loss, the pulse may drop markedly, which can be life-threatening.
Temporary conditions such as fever, anxiety, emotional stress, physical exertion, and sudden activities also accelerate the pulse. The pulse, which rises after physical exertion or strong emotional experiences, usually returns to normal once the person rests. However, a pulse that remains consistently at 90 beats/minute or above at rest may indicate an underlying health problem and requires detailed evaluation.
Regular physical activity can reduce the resting pulse over time. Habits such as daily light walking contribute positively to heart health and can help keep the pulse at lower levels.
What Are the Causes of Low Pulse (Bradycardia)?
Low pulse, called "bradycardia," means that the heart rate is below the value considered normal. When the pulse drops below 40 per minute, the body may not receive enough blood and oxygen, which can trigger dizziness, fainting, sweating, and neurological findings. Brain hemorrhages, tumors, heart diseases, underactive thyroid gland, hormonal imbalances, aging, congenital heart abnormalities, mineral deficiencies, sleep apnea, and the use of certain medications can cause bradycardia.
On the other hand, in healthy individuals who exercise regularly and have high fitness, a heart rate dropping to as low as 40 beats per minute can be considered normal. This indicates that the heart is strong and working efficiently. Physiological low pulse in people accustomed to sports may not be a health problem.
What Are the Pulse Values by Age?
The pulse should be regular and rhythmic at every age. It naturally increases during activity, so for accuracy, measurements should be taken at rest or after at least 5-10 minutes of rest. Various differences in pulse values are observed depending on age and gender. For example, in boys, the pulse is generally slightly higher than in girls; in adults, there is no significant difference between men and women. In addition, excess weight and chronic diseases can also affect the pulse. For a healthy life, it is recommended not to neglect regular health check-ups.
The recommended pulse ranges by general age groups are as follows:
Newborns: 70-190 (average 125 beats/minute)
1-11 months: 80-160 (average 120)
1-2 years: 80-130 (average 110)
2-4 years: 80-120 (average 100)
4-6 years: 75-115 (average 100)
6-8 years: 70-110 (average 90)
8-10 years: 70-110 (average 90)
10-12 years: Girls 70-110, boys 65-105 (average 85-90)
12-14 years: Girls 65-105, boys 60-100 (average 80-85)
14-16 years: Girls 60-100, boys 55-95 (average 75-80)
16-18 years: Girls 55-95, boys 50-90 (average 70-75)
18 years and above: 60-100 (average 80)
Since there may be minor variations in these values depending on age and individual characteristics, consulting a healthcare professional is the most appropriate approach if you have any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should the pulse be?
Healthy adults
While at rest, the pulse is generally between 60-100 beats per minute. This value may be lower in individuals who exercise regularly. However, the ideal pulse range may vary depending on personal health status and age.
2. How can I measure my pulse?
You can measure your pulse by gently pressing three fingers on arteries close to the surface such as the neck, wrist, or groin, and counting the beats for 60 seconds. Digital blood pressure monitors or smart wearable devices also offer practical solutions.
3. Is a high pulse dangerous?
If a high pulse is due to temporary reasons, it usually does not pose a serious risk and returns to normal. However, persistently high pulse at rest may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and should be evaluated by a doctor.
4. Is a low pulse harmful?
If the pulse drops below 40 per minute and is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting, a specialist should definitely be consulted. However, a low pulse may not be a problem in people who exercise regularly.
5. What does a sudden change in pulse mean?
Sudden changes in pulse may be due to temporary factors such as stress, exercise, sudden fear, fever, or infection. Persistent or marked changes may indicate an underlying disease, and medical evaluation is recommended.
6. Does smoking affect the pulse?
Yes, it is known that smoking increases the pulse. Quitting smoking usually causes a decrease in pulse; this is a positive development for heart health.
7. Which diseases cause irregularities in the pulse?
Thyroid diseases, heart valve diseases, anemia, nervous system disorders, infections, and side effects of some medications can cause changes in the pulse.
8. What should the pulse be in children?
The pulse value in children varies by age. The pulse, which is higher in newborns, gradually decreases as they grow. The table of standard values by age group is provided above.
9. What does a 'skipped beat' in the pulse indicate?
Irregularity or 'skipped beat' in the pulse may indicate a disturbance in heart rhythm. If this condition is recurrent or accompanied by complaints, it is important to consult a doctor.
10. Should I measure my pulse regularly?
Yes, especially if you are at risk for cardiovascular diseases or exercise regularly, monitoring your pulse may be beneficial. It is recommended to consult a specialist in case of sudden changes.
11. Does obesity or excess weight affect the pulse?
Excess weight and obesity may cause the heart to work harder; this can lead to a higher resting pulse.
12. Are blood pressure monitors reliable for measuring pulse?
Modern blood pressure monitors are mostly reliable; however, for suspicious measurements or irregular beats, doctor evaluation is recommended.
13. Do psychological conditions affect the pulse?
Psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and excitement may temporarily cause an increase in pulse. This is usually short-lived.
14. When does the pulse return to normal after exercise?
Depending on intensity and personal fitness level, the pulse usually returns to normal within 5-10 minutes after exercise.
15. Are there chronic diseases that affect the pulse?
Yes; chronic heart diseases, heart valve problems, arrhythmias, and thyroid diseases can permanently affect the pulse. Regular monitoring and treatment are of great importance in such cases.
References
World Health Organization (WHO). Cardiovascular diseases.
American Heart Association (AHA). All About Heart Rate (Pulse).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart Rate.
Mayo Clinic. Pulse: How to take your pulse.
European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Guidelines on the management of cardiovascular diseases.
Başoğlu, M., et al. Medical Physiology. Nobel Medical Bookstore.
UpToDate. Evaluation of the adult patient with palpitations.