7.7: Activity 6

Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab Manual II: Neural and Cardiopulmonary Systems · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    Measuring Apical Pulse

    Measuring the apical pulse is an essential skill in clinical practice, particularly in assessing heart function and overall cardiovascular health. The apical pulse is taken at the apex of the heart, located at the fifth intercostal space along the left mid-clavicular line (where the heart’s mitral valve is best heard). This measurement provides a direct assessment of heartbeats, making it particularly useful in patients with irregular rhythms or when peripheral pulses are difficult to palpate.

    Instructions for Self-Measuring Apical Pulse

    Gather Your Materials: You will need a stethoscope to accurately listen to your heartbeat. Most stethoscopes have an end piece with a flat diaphragm and a concave bell, only one of which is directly connected to the earpieces at any one time. The end piece can be turned 180° to change the working side. The bell is generally better than the diaphragm for this experiment because it reduces room noise. The earpieces should point slightly forward to match the direction of the external auditory canal. Make sure that the earpiece is properly positioned, and that the bell of the stethoscope is active.

    1. Find a comfortable position, sit or lie down in a quiet space where you can focus without distractions.
    2. Locate Your Apical Pulse:
      • Use your left hand to find the fifth intercostal space. This is located below your left nipple.
      • Move your fingers inward until you reach the mid-clavicular line, which is an imaginary vertical line that runs down from the center of your collarbone.
    3. Position the Stethoscope: Place the diaphragm of the stethoscope firmly against your chest in the area where you located your pulse. Ensure it is snug against your skin for clear sound transmission. If you can't hear anything through the diaphragm, check that it is tightly attached to the stethoscope. If it's loose, you may not hear anything. Note: Clean earpieces and diaphragm of stethoscope with alcohol swab routinely after each use.
    4. Count Your Heartbeats:
      • Listen carefully for the heart sounds. You should hear the characteristic "lub-dub" sound of your heartbeat.
      • Count the number of beats you hear for 60 seconds. If you prefer, you can also count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, but a full minute gives a more accurate reading.
      • By learning to self-measure your apical pulse, you gain insight into your heart health and develop a greater awareness of how your body functions.
    5. Record Your Results: Write down your heart rate in beats per minute (bpm) and note any irregularities you might hear, such as skipped beats or unusual rhythms.

    Recorded Heart Rate

    Heart rate is measured in beats per minute. With heart rates:

    • Normal range, at rest, is between 60 and 100, although it can vary based on factors that include fitness (conditioned athletes can have slower rates) or age (children have faster rates).
    • Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, less than 60 beats per minute in most people.
    • Tachycardia is a fast heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute.

    This page titled 7.7: Activity 6 was last modified on Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:59:23 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lakshmikanta Sengupta and Susmita Sengupta.