Heartbeat, or heart rate, is primarily measured using a stethoscope. This instrument allows doctors and other healthcare professionals to listen to the sounds of the heart, enabling them to count the number of beats per minute (bpm).
Using a Stethoscope
A stethoscope amplifies the sounds made by the heart as it contracts and relaxes. Here's how it's used:
- The chest piece of the stethoscope is placed on the chest, usually on the left side, over the heart.
- The earpieces are placed in the ears.
- The healthcare provider listens for the characteristic "lub-dub" sounds, which represent the closing of the heart valves.
- By counting the number of "lub-dub" sounds over a specific time period (usually 15 or 30 seconds), they can calculate the heart rate in beats per minute (bpm).
Normal Heart Rate
The normal resting heart rate for children (around Class 7 age) is generally between 70 and 110 beats per minute. However, this can vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and overall health.
Alternative Methods
While a stethoscope is the most common method used by medical professionals, other devices can also measure heart rate, including:
- Heart Rate Monitors: These can be chest strap monitors or wrist-worn devices that use sensors to detect heartbeats.
- Pulse Oximeters: These devices measure oxygen saturation in the blood but also display the heart rate. They are often used on a finger.
Why is Heartbeat Measurement Important?
Measuring heartbeat is important because it provides valuable information about a person's cardiovascular health. An abnormally high or low heart rate can be an indicator of underlying medical conditions.
