When counting an irregular pulse, how long should you measure it for?

When counting an irregular pulse, it is important to measure it for a full 60 seconds. This duration allows for an accurate assessment of the heart rate and rhythm, as an irregular pulse can have variable intervals between beats. Measuring over the span of 15 seconds or 30 seconds may lead to an inaccurate representation of the heart's activity, particularly if there are missed beats or if the irregularity presents intermittently.

In the case of irregular rhythms, a shorter measurement may not capture enough cycles to reflect an accurate rate. By counting the pulse for the entire minute, you ensure that you assess the full dynamics of the pulse, making it possible to identify any potential abnormalities more effectively. Therefore, the ideal practice is to take a full minute when evaluating an irregular pulse.