Understanding Pulse Points: Which Side Do You Check For Pulse?

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Knowing how to take a pulse is a basic yet critical health skill. With a normal adult resting heart rate typically ranging between 60 and 100 beats per minute, understanding which side do you check for pulse in different scenarios is essential for monitoring your health and responding in emergencies.

Quick Summary

You can check your pulse on either side of the body, most commonly at the wrist (radial artery) or the neck (carotid artery), depending on the situation. For a conscious individual, the wrist is the standard, less invasive method, while the neck is reserved for emergencies or when a wrist pulse is difficult to find.

Key Points

Wrist Check: The radial pulse on the thumb side of the wrist is ideal for routine checks on conscious individuals because it is easily accessible and less invasive.
Neck Check Caution: When checking the carotid pulse in the neck, always check only one side at a time to avoid restricting blood flow to the brain.
Emergency Focus: In emergency situations involving an unconscious person, the carotid pulse in the neck is typically checked first due to its strength and reliability.
Proper Finger Use: Always use your index and middle fingers to check for a pulse, never your thumb, which has its own noticeable pulse.
Context is Key: The right side to check depends on the situation; use the wrist for a simple health check and the neck for emergencies.
Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering the manual technique requires practice, so a high degree of accuracy takes time to develop.

Your Guide to Checking a Pulse

A pulse check involves feeling the rhythmic beats caused by blood pushing through your arteries with each heartbeat. There is no single correct side to check; rather, different locations offer advantages depending on the context, such as a casual self-check or a critical emergency. The most accessible and commonly used pulse points are the radial artery at the wrist and the carotid artery in the neck. Proper technique is crucial for an accurate reading.

The Radial Pulse (At the Wrist)

For routine pulse checks on a conscious, calm individual, the wrist is the preferred location. It is non-invasive and easy to access. The radial artery runs along the thumb side of the forearm, making it simple to find.

Here are the steps to correctly check your radial pulse:

Extend one hand with your palm facing up.
Use the index and middle fingers of your other hand. Do not use your thumb, as it has its own pulse that can be misleading.
Place your fingertips in the groove on the thumb side of your wrist, just below the base of your hand.
Press gently until you feel the throbbing sensation of your pulse. If you can't feel it, adjust your finger placement slightly or press a little firmer, but not so hard that you block the blood flow.
Once you locate the pulse, count the number of beats you feel for 30 seconds, then multiply that number by two to get your beats per minute (bpm). For irregular heartbeats, counting for a full 60 seconds is more accurate.

The Carotid Pulse (At the Neck)

The carotid pulse in the neck is typically stronger and easier to find in emergency situations, particularly with an unconscious individual, as it is a major artery supplying blood to the brain. Because of the sensitivity of the arteries in the neck, this method should be used with caution.

Follow these steps for a safe carotid pulse check:

Locate the windpipe in the center of the neck.
Place the tips of your index and middle fingers in the soft, hollow area to the side of the windpipe and just under the jawline.
Press gently but firmly until you feel the pulse. Remember, never press on both sides of the neck at the same time, as this can restrict blood flow to the brain and cause fainting.
Check for the pulse for a maximum of 10 seconds. If a pulse is not detected within this timeframe, emergency action, such as CPR, may be necessary.

Other Pulse Points on the Body

While the wrist and neck are most common, other pulse points are used in specific contexts. For example, medical professionals check the brachial artery, located on the inside of the upper arm, when taking a patient's blood pressure. For infants, the brachial pulse is the recommended site for a pulse check. Pulses can also be found at the groin (femoral), behind the knee (popliteal), and on the top of the foot (dorsalis pedis).

Choosing the Right Pulse Point

Deciding where to check a pulse depends on the person's state of consciousness and the overall situation. For a self-check or a conscious individual, the wrist is the most practical and comfortable option. For an unconscious person or a trauma victim, the carotid pulse is often the first and most reliable indicator of circulation.

Factors Affecting Pulse Rate

Several factors can influence an individual's pulse rate, including age, fitness level, stress, body temperature, and recent physical activity. A person's resting heart rate is typically lower in a relaxed state compared to when they are exercising or under emotional stress. For those who exercise regularly, tracking their pulse before and after a workout can be a useful tool for monitoring cardiovascular health. For accurate results, always ensure you or the person whose pulse you are checking has been resting quietly for several minutes before beginning.

A Quick Comparison of Pulse Check Locations


Location	Common Use	Pros	Cons	Notes
Radial (Wrist)	Routine self-checks, conscious patient assessment	Easy to access, non-invasive, comfortable	Pulse may be weak if blood pressure is low	Do not use thumb; use index and middle fingers
Carotid (Neck)	Emergency assessment (unconscious patient)	Strong, easy to locate, reliable in crisis	Invasive, risk of restricting blood flow if bilateral pressure applied	Never check both sides at once
Brachial (Upper Arm)	Infant assessment, blood pressure measurement	Reliable for infants and BP	Less convenient for self-checks	Used professionally for infants and BP readings

Conclusion

Whether you're performing a quick self-assessment or dealing with a potential emergency, understanding the best location for a pulse check is key. For everyday monitoring, the radial pulse at the wrist is the simplest method. In a critical situation involving an unconscious person, the carotid pulse is the most immediate indicator of a heartbeat. By familiarizing yourself with these techniques, you are better prepared to react effectively and confidently. For comprehensive guidance on first aid and emergency procedures, visit the American Heart Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can check your pulse on either side of your body. However, when checking the carotid pulse in your neck, you must only check one side at a time to prevent blocking blood flow to your brain.

Both the wrist (radial) and neck (carotid) are acceptable locations. The wrist is best for routine checks, while the neck is often used in emergency situations when a pulse is difficult to find.

You should not use your thumb to check for a pulse because it has its own blood supply and a noticeable pulse. This can lead to an inaccurate reading, as you might be feeling your own pulse instead of the other person's.

For an accurate reading, count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by two. If you notice an irregular rhythm, count for a full 60 seconds to get a more precise rate.

For most adults, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). This can vary based on fitness level, age, and other factors.

If you are checking an unconscious person and cannot find a pulse within 10 seconds, it's a medical emergency. Call for help (e.g., 911) and begin CPR if the person is not breathing normally.

Yes, other pulse points include the brachial artery inside the elbow (used for infants), the femoral artery in the groin, and the dorsalis pedis on the top of the foot.