How can I measure my heart rate?

Different methods are suitable for measuring heart rate. From the very simple, orienting to high-tech devices, there is something for every taste. The simplest (and most cost effective) method is the manual “feel the pulse”.

The easiest way is to do this with a partner, but with a little practice the measurement can also be done on your own body. In order to determine the current heart rate, you look for a place where you can feel the pulse. This can be the inside of the wrist (on the side facing the thumb, the so-called radial artery runs, which is usually very easy to feel!)

or, for example, a point on the outside of the neck – roughly in a line below the ear. The Arteria carotis communis (carotid artery), which runs here, carries the blood to supply the head and is normally easy to find due to its large diameter. In principle, other locations are also possible and conceivable; however, these are the most common measurement points.

To feel the pulse, you should always use the index and middle finger of one hand, as the thumb may reflect your own pulse too dominantly. Once you have felt the pulsating blood vessel, you can start counting the beats by looking at the watch.For one minute all perceptible pulsations are counted, resulting in the heart rate in beats per minute. Technically more sophisticated are pulse watches (with or without chest strap), which take over the laborious counting and prove to be very practical, especially during sports.

The current heart rate appears regularly and fully automatically on the display of a watch that can be worn relaxed on the wrist or directly on the smartphone. In addition, the heart rate can be determined by doctors – especially when it comes to ruling out possible heart disease or the like – for example during ECG or other examinations. However, these methods are reserved for certain special cases and are not suitable for everyday use.