A pulse is the speed at which the heart beats. The pulse is usually called the heart rate, which is the number of times the heart beats per minute (bpm). But the rhythm and strength of the heartbeat can also be noted, as well as whether the blood vessel feels hard or soft.

As the heart pumps blood through the body, you can feel a pulsing in some of the blood vessels close to the skin's surface, such as in the wrist or neck of a child or the upper arm of a baby. Counting the pulse rate is a simple way to find out how fast the heart is beating. This can be done by counting the beats for 60 seconds or counting for 30 seconds and multiplying that number by 2 to get the number of beats per minute. The pulse rate changes from minute to minute. It is faster during exercise and slower when resting or sleeping.

Your doctor will check your child's pulse during well-child visits. If you need to monitor your child’s pulse because of a medical condition, your doctor will tell you how and how often to check it.

You might check your child's pulse to:

• See how well the heart is working. In an emergency situation, your child's pulse rate can help find out if the heart is pumping enough blood.
• Help find the cause of symptoms, such as an irregular or rapid heartbeat (palpitations), dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
• Check for blood flow after an injury or when a blood vessel may be blocked.
• Keep an eye on medicines or diseases that cause a slow pulse rate. Your doctor may ask you to check your child's pulse every day if your child has heart disease or is taking certain medicines that can slow their pulse rate.
• Check your child's general health and fitness level. Checking your child's pulse at rest, during activity, or right after vigorous activity can give you important information about your child's overall fitness level.

You should also check your child’s pulse if they:

• Complain of chest pain or things like a “racing” feeling or a “skipped” heartbeat.
• Faint.
• Have trouble breathing.
• Become pale or their lips turn blue.

If your child’s vital signs are off, you may need to see a doctor. Vital signs can vary based on time of day and the emotional state of your child. Your doctor will tell you what normal looks like for your child.

If your child has a drastic change, that could be a sign of a problem. Your doctor can monitor your child over time if needed.

Call 911anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You cannot find a pulse and your child will not wake up. Start CPR right away.
• Your child's pulse is beating too fast or too slow or does not have a steady beat, and your child looks sick, pale, or sweaty or you cannot wake them up.
• Your child has trouble breathing.
• Your child has a blue, purple, or gray color or tint to the lips, fingernails, or skin.
• Your child is confused.
• Your child is unresponsive or passes out (loses consciousness).

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child's resting heart rate is higher or lower than the normal range for their age or what your child's doctor recommends.
• Your child is dizzy or lightheaded.
• Your child feels like their heart is "racing" or "skipping."
• Your child's pulse feels too fast or too slow.
• Your child has trouble keeping up with activities they could do before, or they get unusually tired during play or exercise.
• Your child is taking a medicine that affects heart rate, and the pulse is outside the range your doctor gave you.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You need more information about how to care for your child, or you have questions or concerns.