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The [[pulse]] is a vital sign that reflects the rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart during each cardiac cycle.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Marieb |first=Elaine N. |title=Human Anatomy & Physiology |publisher=Pearson |year=2019 |isbn=9780134580999}}</ref> The pulse rate, measured in beats per minute, provides important information about a person's heart rate and blood flow.
Pulse
[[File:Pulse evaluation.JPG|thumb|Pulse evaluation]]
[[File:Femtosecond pulses.svg|thumb|Femtosecond pulses]]
[[File:Radial pulse (26771473070).jpg|thumb|Radial pulse (26771473070)]]
==Physiology of the Pulse==


Every time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, creating a pressure wave that propagates along the arterial tree. This wave causes the arterial walls to expand and then contract, a phenomenon that can be palpated as the pulse at various points in the body.
The pulse is a vital sign that reflects the heart rate and rhythm, providing crucial information about a person's cardiovascular health. It is the tactile arterial palpation of the heartbeat by trained fingertips. The pulse can be felt at various points on the body where an artery is close to the skin and can be compressed against a bone.


The pulse rate corresponds to the heart's rate of contractions, or heartbeats, and is typically used as an indicator of the heart rate. However, in certain conditions, such as in the presence of cardiac arrhythmias, the pulse may not accurately reflect the heart rate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pulse |url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003399.htm |publisher=MedlinePlus |access-date=2023-05-18}}</ref>
==Physiology==
The pulse is generated by the contraction of the heart, specifically the left ventricle, which pumps blood into the aorta and subsequently into the systemic circulation. This creates a pressure wave that travels along the arteries, which can be felt as a pulse.


==Measurement of the Pulse==
===Pulse Points===
There are several common sites where the pulse can be palpated:


The pulse can be measured manually by palpation or with an electronic device such as a heart rate monitor. Common sites for manual palpation of the pulse include the radial artery at the wrist, the carotid artery in the neck, and the brachial artery in the arm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to take a pulse |url=https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321490 |publisher=Medical News Today |access-date=2023-05-18}}</ref>
* '''[[Radial pulse]]''': Located on the wrist, on the thumb side. It is the most commonly used site for measuring the pulse.
* '''[[Carotid pulse]]''': Found in the neck, lateral to the trachea. It is often used in emergency situations.
* '''[[Brachial pulse]]''': Located on the inner aspect of the elbow, used primarily in infants.
* '''[[Femoral pulse]]''': Found in the groin area, used in cases of shock or cardiac arrest.
* '''[[Popliteal pulse]]''': Located behind the knee.
* '''[[Dorsalis pedis pulse]]''': Found on the top of the foot.
* '''[[Posterior tibial pulse]]''': Located behind the ankle.


In addition to the pulse rate, the strength and rhythm of the pulse can also provide valuable clinical information. Changes in these characteristics can indicate a variety of cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, or arrhythmias.
==Clinical Significance==
The pulse rate, rhythm, and quality can provide important diagnostic information:
 
* '''[[Pulse rate]]''': The number of beats per minute. Normal resting pulse rates for adults range from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
* '''[[Bradycardia]]''': A slower than normal heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute.
* '''[[Tachycardia]]''': A faster than normal heart rate, typically above 100 beats per minute.
* '''[[Pulse rhythm]]''': The regularity of the pulse. An irregular rhythm may indicate arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.
* '''[[Pulse quality]]''': The strength of the pulse. A weak pulse may indicate poor cardiac output or peripheral vascular disease.
 
==Measurement Techniques==
To measure the pulse, the healthcare provider uses the pads of the index and middle fingers to palpate the artery. The thumb should not be used as it has its own pulse that can interfere with accurate measurement.


==Clinical Significance==
==Factors Affecting Pulse==
Several factors can influence the pulse rate and quality:


Pulse rate is a vital sign and provides important information about a person's overall health and fitness. It can be affected by various factors including age, sex, physical fitness, and stress levels.
* '''[[Age]]''': Children typically have higher pulse rates than adults.
* '''[[Fitness level]]''': Athletes may have lower resting pulse rates.
* '''[[Emotional state]]''': Stress and anxiety can increase the pulse rate.
* '''[[Medications]]''': Certain drugs can affect heart rate and rhythm.
* '''[[Temperature]]''': Fever can increase the pulse rate.


Abnormal pulse rates, whether too slow (bradycardia) or too fast (tachycardia), or an irregular pulse rhythm can be indicative of a medical condition and warrant further investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tachycardia |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tachycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355127 |publisher=Mayo Clinic |access-date=2023-05-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bradycardia |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bradycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355474 |publisher=Mayo Clinic |access-date=2023-05-18}}</ref>
==Also see==
* [[Heart rate]]
* [[Blood pressure]]
* [[Cardiovascular system]]
* [[Arrhythmia]]
* [[Vital signs]]


==References==
{{Cardiology}}
<references />
{{Vital signs}}


[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Medical terminology]]
[[Category:Vital signs]]
{{stub}}
[[Category:Medical signs]]
<gallery>
File:Hand-book of physiology (1892) (14742233966).jpg|Pulse
File:Pulse evaluation.JPG|Pulse
File:Pulse sites-en.svg|Pulse
File:Gray1235.png|Pulse
File:Gray513.png|Pulse
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 01:39, 20 February 2025

Pulse

The pulse is a vital sign that reflects the heart rate and rhythm, providing crucial information about a person's cardiovascular health. It is the tactile arterial palpation of the heartbeat by trained fingertips. The pulse can be felt at various points on the body where an artery is close to the skin and can be compressed against a bone.

Physiology[edit]

The pulse is generated by the contraction of the heart, specifically the left ventricle, which pumps blood into the aorta and subsequently into the systemic circulation. This creates a pressure wave that travels along the arteries, which can be felt as a pulse.

Pulse Points[edit]

There are several common sites where the pulse can be palpated:

Clinical Significance[edit]

The pulse rate, rhythm, and quality can provide important diagnostic information:

  • Pulse rate: The number of beats per minute. Normal resting pulse rates for adults range from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
  • Bradycardia: A slower than normal heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute.
  • Tachycardia: A faster than normal heart rate, typically above 100 beats per minute.
  • Pulse rhythm: The regularity of the pulse. An irregular rhythm may indicate arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.
  • Pulse quality: The strength of the pulse. A weak pulse may indicate poor cardiac output or peripheral vascular disease.

Measurement Techniques[edit]

To measure the pulse, the healthcare provider uses the pads of the index and middle fingers to palpate the artery. The thumb should not be used as it has its own pulse that can interfere with accurate measurement.

Factors Affecting Pulse[edit]

Several factors can influence the pulse rate and quality:

  • Age: Children typically have higher pulse rates than adults.
  • Fitness level: Athletes may have lower resting pulse rates.
  • Emotional state: Stress and anxiety can increase the pulse rate.
  • Medications: Certain drugs can affect heart rate and rhythm.
  • Temperature: Fever can increase the pulse rate.

Also see[edit]



Cardiovascular disease A-Z

Most common cardiac diseases

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