Irregular Heart Rate Calculator
Specifically designed for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and irregular pulse measurements.
How to Calculate Heart Rate with an Irregular Rhythm
When a person has a regular heart rhythm, a clinician can simply count the pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by four. However, this method is highly inaccurate for irregular rhythms like Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
To calculate the heart rate with an irregular rhythm, you must use the Averaging Method or the 6-Second Method. Instead of relying on a short sample, you count the total number of beats over a longer period to account for the pauses and rapid bursts characteristic of arrhythmia.
The 6-Second Strip Method
In clinical settings using an EKG (ECG), the 6-second method is the gold standard for irregular rhythms. Here is the manual version for home use:
- Step 1: Use a stopwatch or a clock with a second hand.
- Step 2: Count every single pulse beat you feel for exactly 6 seconds.
- Step 3: Multiply that number by 10 to get your Beats Per Minute (BPM).
Why a 15 or 30-Second Count is Better
While the 6-second method is fast, an irregular heart rate fluctuates constantly. If you count for only 6 seconds, you might catch a "quiet" moment or a "fast" moment, leading to an inaccurate reading. For a more reliable average, count the pulses for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. This provides a better representation of the true ventricular response.
Interpreting Your Results
A normal resting heart rate for adults is typically between 60 and 100 BPM. However, with irregular rhythms:
- Bradycardia: Under 60 BPM. This can sometimes occur in athletes or as a side effect of medications like Beta-blockers.
- Tachycardia: Over 100 BPM. In AFib, this is often referred to as "AFib with RVR" (Rapid Ventricular Response).
Example Calculation
If you feel your pulse and count 22 beats over a 15-second window:
Formula: (Beats ÷ Seconds) × 60 = BPM
Example: (22 ÷ 15) × 60 = 88 BPM