Normal Pulse Rate For Humans
Pulse rate is a vital sign along with body temperature, respiration rate and blood pressure which are used by the physician to monitor and detect medical problems in human beings.
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Pulse is the throbbing of the arteries. It needs to be checked where the artery can be compressed against the bone.
The places where it is usually felt in the human body are at the neck -- the carotid artery, at the wrist -- the radial artery, behind the knee -- the popliteal artery, inside the elbow -- the brachial artery, and near the ankle joint -- the posterior tibial artery. In addition it can also be measure as heart beat directly, known as the apical pulse.
The normal pulse rate at rest is known to fall in the range as given below:
Age Group |
Normal pulse rate at rest |
Babies to age 1 |
10-160 beats per minute |
Children (1-10) |
60-140 beats per minute |
Children (11-17) |
60-100 beats per minute |
Adults(Age 18 and above) |
60-100 beats per minute |
Well conditioned athletes |
40-60 beats per minute |
The effect of stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine is to increase the pulse rate. Hence it is necessary to avoid them prior to taking the pulse.
The increase in pulse rate could be caused by physical activity, anemia, decongestants, fever, heart disease, over active thyroid gland, asthma medicines, and stimulants such as caffeine, amphetamines, diet pills, cigarettes, alcohol and stress. The pulse rate is expected to become slow due to heart disease, heart medicines, high level of fitness, and under active thyroid gland. The pulse rate can get weakened due to blood clot in the arm or leg, disease of the blood vessels, heart disease and heart failure.
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