

To take your pulse at your wrist, place two fingers on the artery on the inside of your wrist, just below the thumb. You can find out what your heart rate is by taking your pulse. 50-75 per cent of the maximum heart rate. In some people, doctors recommend a lower range, e.g. National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), a member of the “Exercising at 60-80 per cent of the maximum heart rate gives the most cardiovascular benefits and is termed the “target heart rate zone”,” saysĬlinical Associate Professor Tan Swee Yaw, Senior Consultant,ĭepartment of Cardiology and Director, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Preventative Cardiology, Heart Rate Maximum (HRmax) = (220 - your age) beats per minute Maximum heart rate can be estimated using a simple formula: It reaches its maximum level during intense exercise – this is known as your maximum heart rate. Your heart rate goes up when you exercise because your heart needs to pump more oxygen-rich blood to cope with the physical activity. “ At rest, a healthy heart rate falls in the range of 60-90 heart beats per minute,” sharesĬlinical Assistant Professor Ho Kah Leng, Senior Consultant,ĭepartment of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), a member of the Activity level, fitness level, body size, emotions and even medications can influence the rate at which your heart beats. Your heart rate is the number of times your heart pulses per minute. However, few know about their heart rate or what its variations indicate about their general health. If your pulse is above your target zone, decrease your rate of exercise.Your heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in a minute, is an important indicator of your heart health. If your pulse is below your target zone (see the chart below), increase your rate of exercise. To find out if you are exercising in your target zone (between 60 percent and 80 percent of your maximum heart rate), stop exercising and check your 10-second pulse. Usually this is when your exercise heart rate (pulse) is 60 percent to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. You gain the most benefits and lessen the risks when you exercise in your target heart rate zone. If so, your heart rate ranges for exercise should be prescribed by your doctor or an exercise specialist. If you are taking medicines or have a medical condition (such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes), always ask your doctor if your maximum heart rate/target heart rate will be affected. Please note that some medicines and medical conditions might affect your maximum heart rate. To calculate your predicted maximum heart rate, use this formula:Ģ20 - Your Age = Predicted Maximum Heart RateĮxample: a 40-year-old's predicted maximum heart rate is 180. The maximum heart rate is the highest your pulse rate can get. (beats in 10 seconds) (your pulse) What is a normal pulse? Age Group

Multiply this number by six to get your heart rate (pulse) per minute.Ĭheck your pulse: _ x 6 = _
#Pulse per minute average how to
Knowing how to take your pulse can help you evaluate your exercise program. Your pulse is lower when you are at rest and increases when you exercise (because more oxygen-rich blood is needed by the body when you exercise). Your pulse is your heart rate, or the number of times your heart beats in one minute.
