The pulse can easily be palpated on the side of your wrist and neck and reflects the arterial pulsation associated with circulation. Each pulsation is useful in assessing and characterizing quantitative and qualitative measures of the heart, including its rate and rhythm. A normal heart rate ranges between 60 and 100 (though heart rates in the 50s are common in fit individuals) beats per minute and pumps at a regular rhythm (sinus rhythm). Abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) cause irregularities in blood flow and can occur at fast heart rates (tachycardias) or slow heart rates (bradycardias). Patients may experience palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness and may require medical intervention, including medications, pacing, and/or defibrillation. Detecting cardiac arrhythmias is important in the prevention of life-threatening adverse effects like stroke and sudden cardiac arrest.