Final answer:
The most accurate method to measure resting heart rate is to count for a full 60 seconds (Option A), as this reduces variability and counting errors. Shorter measures can be used but the full minute count is preferred, especially to identify abnormalities like bradycardia or tachycardia.
Step-by-step explanation:
To obtain the most accurate reading of your resting heart rate (RHR), it is recommended to measure it for 60 seconds (Option A). When feeling your pulse, you are detecting the blood as it is pumped by the heart, causing pressure waves through the arteries.
While it is possible to measure your pulse for shorter periods, such as 10 seconds, and then multiply to estimate beats per minute (bpm), longer measurements can reduce the impact of variability and potential counting errors.
For example, if you count for 30 seconds and get 40 beats, you can double that count to estimate a resting heart rate per minute, which would be 80 bpm
. However, to ensure precision and consider potential short-term fluctuations in heart rate, a full 60-second count is recommended.
This method is especially useful for identifying any abnormal heart rates, such as bradycardia or tachycardia, which fall below 60 bpm or above 100 bpm respectively when at rest.