
COVID-19 Vaccine Information Learn More | Your Health and Safety Remain Our #1 Priority Learn More | Visiting Hours & Policy Learn More
It Does That? Fun Facts About Your Hard-Working Heart
Your heart is one hard-working muscle – a fascinating, giant pump that’s working every second of every minute of every day. It’s working hard for you, so let these fun facts about your heart inspire you to work a little harder to keep it healthy.
To measure your heart rate, simply check your pulse. Place your index and third fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. To check your pulse at your wrist, place two fingers between the bone and the tendon over your radial artery – which is located on the thumb side of your wrist. When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply that number by four to calculate your beats per minute.
Keep in mind that many factors can influence heart rate, including:
Although there's a wide range of normal, an unusually high or low heart rate may indicate an underlying problem. Consult your provider if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats a minute (tachycardia) or if you're not a trained athlete and your resting heart rate is below 60 beats a minute (bradycardia) — especially if you have other signs or symptoms, such as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.
Make sure you’re working hard to keep your heart healthy – just like it’s working hard for you. An annual check-up with your primary care provider or a cardiologist can help you take a more active role in your heart health. Make an appointment today to help keep you on the road to good health every day.