$Unique_ID{BRK00785}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{Methods of Taking and Evaluating the Pulse}
$Subject{pulse types}
$Volume{P-3}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Methods of Taking and Evaluating the Pulse


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QUESTION:  When my physician finished examining me, he informed me that all
was normal, including my pulse and that I was in good physical condition.  Yet
he never even took my pulse, and I am wondering about his conclusions.  Can
you please comment on this in your column?

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ANSWER:  I think that many people believe that the only method of taking and
evaluating the pulse, is by placing a forefinger on the easy to find radial
artery located just above the wrist.  After all that is what is shown on
television and in the movies.  But there are many places to check a heart
rate, by counting the pulse beats, that include not only the wrist, but the
upper arm (brachial), the neck (carotid), the groin (femoral) and many others.
The pulses are caused in the arteries by a wave of pressure, created by the
contraction of the heart, and may reveal the presence of disease of the valves
of the heart when they are abnormal.  When the pulse is absent, in the ankle
for example, it means the the flow of blood to that area has been shut off or
diminished by a disease process, and is an important clue to be followed up by
more complicated and revealing tests.  The character of the pulse, tapping,
bounding, collapsing, or slapping, the rapidity of the rate, and the
comparison of the pulse on one side of the body with its mate on the other,
all have different meanings to your physician, and their evaluation permit a
report in your case, of "normal" . It is probable that your physician may have
checked your pulse several times, while you were unaware that his attention
was on this important physical sign, used as part of the total evaluations
included in every good physical examination.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
