Arterial pulse examination assesses pulse character and regularity to identify haemodynamic and rhythm abnormalities.
Assessment and determinants
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Pulse character depends on stroke volume and arterial compliance.
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Character is best assessed by palpating a major artery, such as the carotid or brachial artery.
Characteristic pulse patterns
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Aortic regurgitation, anaemia, sepsis and other causes of a large stroke volume typically produce a bounding, high-amplitude pulse with wide pulse pressure.
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Aortic stenosis impedes ventricular emptying. Severe stenosis produces a slow-rising, weak and delayed pulse.
Rhythm
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Sinus rhythm produces a pulse that is regular in timing and volume.
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Arrhythmias may cause irregularity. Atrial fibrillation produces a pulse that is irregular in both timing and volume.