Factors influencing pulse rate

Factors influencing pulse rate

1.     Exercise : Short term exercise increases pulse rate. An athlete, who participates in long - term exercise will have lower pulse rate at rest.

2.     Temperature : Fever and heat increases pulse rate. Hypothermic decreases pulse rate.

3.     Emotion : Pain and anxiety increase pulse rate.

4.     Drugs : Epinephrine increases pulse rate.

5.     Digoxin decreases pulse rate.

6.     Hemorrhage : blood loss increases pulse rate

7.     Postural changes : In standing or sitting positions, pulse rate increases. In lying down position, the pulse rate decreases.

8.     Pulmonary condition : Causes poor oxygenation and decreased pulse rate.

RATE

Pulse rate is counted for minute when the patient is in a sitting, standing and lying position.

Normal heart rate:

Age   Heart rate

Infant          120 - 160 / min

Toddlers     90      - 140 / min

Pre schooler         80      - 110 / min

School going        75      - 100 / min

Adolescents          60      - 90 / min

Adult 60      - 100 / min

Purposes of Monitoring Pulse

1.     To test the health and efficiency of heart

2.     To test the elasticity and the health of arteries.

3.     To get an approximately idea of how much blood is being pumped into the artery system.

4.     To estimate the change in the needs of the body circulation.

5.     To understand the general condition of the body, recovery, or death

6.     To give emergency treatment if necessary