Investigating Pulse Rates

Investigating Pulse Rates

Introduction

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In this experiment I'm going to investigate pulse rates and the

factors that affect pulse rates. Every time the heart or cardiac

muscle contracts it registers a pulse. The pulse is caused by the

action of the heart as it pumps blood throughout the body. Depending

on the amount of blood pumped through the arteries, the arteries

expand and contract and the blood being pumped through the arteries

causes a pressure wave that you feel as your pulse. You can check your

pulse in several places:

· Just over the temple at the side of your head, this is known as the

'Temporal pulse'.

· At the base of the thumb on the inside of the wrist, this is known

as the 'Radial pulse'.

· On either side of the neck, this is known as the 'Cartoid pulse'.

· On the inside of the groin, this is known as the 'Femoral pulse'.

The heart needs to pump blood around the body because; the blood

contains haemoglobin, which carries oxygen, to the muscle tissue for

respiration.

Factors to investigate

The factor that I'm going to investigate is how the duration of

exercise affects the pulse rate.

Apparatus

During my investigation I will use a stopwatch, an exercise step,

sensible shoes and a safe area to exercise.

Prediction

I think that the longer I exercise for the higher my pulse rate will

go. I think this because the muscles contract at a faster rate during

exercise meaning they will need more energy. The muscles get their

energy from respiration, which uses glucose and oxygen, which is

contained in the blood. To get the glucose and oxygen needed the heart

will have to pump faster, causing the pulse rate to increase.

Method

I will work safely when carrying out the investigation by wearing

sensible shoes, not exercising for too long a period, resting in

between tests, warming up before exercising and exercising in a safe