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Taking a Pulse (Heart Rate)

Checking your pulse on the wrist

You can easily check your pulse on the inside of your wrist, below your thumb.

  • Gently place 2 fingers of your other hand on this artery.
  • Do not use your thumb, because it has its own pulse that you may feel.
  • Count the beats for 30 seconds, and then double the result to get the number of beats per minute.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Revised April 5, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 05, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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