Pulssi

Pulssi (Finnish for pulse) refers to the rhythmic expansion of an artery resulting from the heartbeat. In medical and everyday language it also denotes the heart rate, the number of heartbeats per minute. The pulse originates from the pressure wave created by the heart’s systole and can be felt where an artery is close to the skin.

Pulse is most commonly measured by palpation of superficial arteries, such as the radial artery at the wrist, the carotid artery in the neck, or the femoral artery in the groin. In clinical settings, auscultation with a stethoscope can determine the apical pulse at the chest. Modern devices, including wrist-worn fitness trackers and medical monitors, use sensors to estimate pulse rate electronically.

A normal resting pulse for healthy adults typically ranges from about 60 to 100 beats per minute, though athletes or older individuals may have lower resting rates. Pulse rate varies with activity, body temperature, emotions, medications, and disease. Abnormal pulse patterns or rates can indicate health issues such as tachycardia (fast pulse), bradycardia (slow pulse), or irregular rhythms (arrhythmia).

In practice, pulse remains a basic clinical sign widely used for quick assessment, triage, and monitoring in medical care and emergency response. It complements other measurements such as blood pressure and oxygen saturation. Related concepts include pulse rate, pulse pressure, and the use of pulse oximetry to infer circulatory status.