How to find carotid artery

Arteries are the blood vessels by which blood is transported from heart to all organs and tissues. There is a carotid artery, which is called so due to the fact that when pressing on it one can instantly lose consciousness or even die. It is for this artery is most often measured pulse.

Instruction

1. To measure the pulse at the carotid artery will be examined first where it is. Common carotid artery originates in the ventral aorta in the thoracic cavity. It comes from the heart to the neck. Its function is the blood supply of the brain, eyes and most part of the head. Narrowing of vessels or clogging leads to poor circulation and stroke.
2. Carotid artery divides into two branches, right and left. The right originates from the brachiocephalic trunk and the left from the aortic arch, so it is longer by 20-25 cm Near the Adam's Apple — the upper edge of the thyroid cartilage, carotid artery diverges into external and internal. External supplies blood to the face, and the interior passes through the muscles of the neck, enters skull in the temple and delivers blood to the brain.
3. Usually the pulse is measured on the hand. But if the artery sklerozirovanie or poorly detectable, then the pulse measured at the carotid artery in the neck.
4. To determine the pulse on the carotid artery lay the person in a horizontal position or sit on a chair and let him lean on the backrest. Place the middle and index finger of one hand on the thyroid cartilage — the Adam's Apple.
5. Carefully move your finger away from the Adam's Apple. In certain places you will feel a soft indentation.
6. Hearing the beating of the artery can measure the pulse. To do this, take a watch with a second hand or a stopwatch. Note the time and count the number of beats per minute. From healthy adult pulse rate is 60-80 beats per minute. If the above pulse is called tachycardia, if below normal bradycardia. Asystole is the absence of a pulse.
7. Exactly the same method you can measure your pulse.
8. If you measure the pulse of a small child, first you need to calm down, then give a comfortable position and then begin measurement. It is less swirled and twitched, offer him his favorite toy or ask someone to divert his attention.
9. Be careful as in strong pressure receptors of the carotid artery can perceive a strong touch as the increase in blood pressure and begin to reduce. The heart becomes slower, and the person may lose consciousness.