The pulse is the pressure wave that occurs as each heartbeat causes a surge in the blood circulating through the arteries. The pulse is mostly felt at a pulse point where a major artery lies near the surface and can be pressed gently against a bone or solid organ.

To palpate (feel) the pulse, hold together your index and long fingers and place their tip over a pulse point, press gently against the artery until you feel intermittent pulsation (see Figures 14-16, below).

Fig. 14. Radial pulse.

Fig. 15. Brachial pulse.

Fig. 16. Carotid pulses.

Normal Range for Pulse Rate

Age Range Beat Per Minute
Adult 60 to 100
Children 70 to 150
Infant 100 to 160
Last modified: Sunday, 13 November 2016, 10:18 AM