Want to try it yourself?

How to take your pulse instructions

To find your pulse in your wrist:

• hold out one of your hands, with your palm facing upwards .
• press the first (index) finger and middle finger of your other hand on the inside of your wrist, at the base of your thumb – don't use your thumb as it has its own pulse.
• press your skin lightly until you can feel your pulse – if you can't find it, try pressing a little harder or move your fingers around.

To find your pulse in your neck:

• press your first finger and middle finger to the side of your neck, just under your jaw and beside your windpipe – don't use your thumb.
• press your skin lightly to feel your pulse – if you can't find it, try pressing a bit harder or move your fingers around.

When you find your pulse, either:

• count the number of beats you feel for 60 seconds.
• count the number for 30 seconds and multiply by two.