Factors Affecting the Pulse

Factors Affecting the Pulse

Age

As the age increases the pulse rate gradually decreases.

Age	Pulse Average/ Range
Newborn	130 (80-180)
1 year	120 (80-140)
5-8 year	100 (75-120)
10 year	70 (50-90)
Teen	75 (50-90)
Adult	80 (60-100)
Older adult	70 (60-100)

Gender

After puberty, the average male's pulse rate is slightly lower than the female's

Exercise

The pulse rate normally increases with activity.

Fever

The pulse rate increases (a) response to the lowered blood pressure that results from peripheral vasodilation associated with elevated body temperature and (b) because of increased metabolic rate

Medications

Some medications decrease pulse rate, and others increase it. For ex. cardio tonics (digitalis) decrease the heart rate, whereas epinephrine increase it.

Hypovolemia

Loss of blood from the vascular system normally increases pulse rate. In adults the loss of circulating volume results in an adjustment of the heart rate to increase blood pressure as the body compensates for the lost blood volume

Stress

In response to the stress sympathetic nervous stimulation increases the overall activity of the heart Stress increases the rate as well as the force of the heartbeat. Fear and anxiety as well as the perception of severe pain stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Position changes

When a person is sitting or standing, blood usually pools in dependent vessels of the venous system. Pooling results in a transient decrease in the venous return to the heart and a subsequent reduction in blood pressure and increase in heart rate.

Pathology

Certain diseases such as some heart conditions or those that impair oxygenation can alter resting pulse.