Checking the pulse on the neck, also known as the carotid pulse, is a common medical procedure used to assess a person’s heart rate and rhythm. It involves palpating the carotid artery, which is located on either side of the neck, just below the jawbone. To check the carotid pulse, gently place two fingers on the artery and press lightly until you feel the pulse. Count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply by four to get the heart rate in beats per minute.
Checking the carotid pulse is important because it can provide valuable information about a person’s health. A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A heart rate that is too fast or too slow can be a sign of a medical condition, such as an arrhythmia or a heart attack. Checking the carotid pulse can also help to detect changes in heart rate over time, which can be useful for monitoring the effectiveness of certain medications or treatments.
