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Over the next few weeks, we’ll be diving head first into the anatomical explanations for some of the routine procedures you may have experienced when visiting the doctor. ?⚕️ Let’s start by looking at what happens when you have your pulse taken. ? There are a number of different parts of the body where the pulse can be taken. For example, in the upper limb ? the pulse can be measured at the wrist, or in the lower limb? on the front of the foot. Let’s take a look at the pulse points in the head in a little more detail. It’s important to note that we can feel a pulse in each of these locations because an artery is running close to the skin and is easily compressed against a hard structure below. ☠️ In the head there are three pulse points (labelled above). They are:
Each time the heart beats ❤️ blood is forced into the periphery in ‘waves’? which causes the pressure of blood in the vessels increase. Because it is elastic, this increase in pressure makes the vessel expand. It is these increases in blood pressure, called the systolic pressure, which can be felt when someone takes your pulse. This means someone can measure the rate at which your heart is beating by taking your pulse ⏱️ As well as the heart rate, a clinician can also appreciate the rhythm of your heart – if it is beating regularly. Additionally they can even make a rudimentary assessment of the functionality of your heart – if the pulse is weak, the heart might not be pumping blood efficiently. This non-invasive method of assessment can tell us quite a lot about the old ticker! Use the proven learning power of 3D anatomy to better understand the anatomical relations of the body with Complete Anatomy. Try it for FREE today. Heart rate; Heart beat The pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.
The carotid arteries take oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain. The pulse from the carotids may be felt on either side of thefront of the neck just below the angle of the jaw. This rhythmic beat is caused by varying volumes of blood being pushed out of the heart toward the extremities.
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body. Veins carry blood depleted of oxygen from the same tissues back to the heart. The arteries are the vessels with the pulse, a rhythmic pushing of the blood in the heart followed by a refilling of the heart chamber. To determine heart rate, one counts the beats at a pulse point like the inside of the wrist for 10 seconds, and multiplies this number by 6. This is the per-minute total.
To measure the pulse at the wrist, place the index and middle finger over the underside of the opposite wrist, below the base of the thumb. Press firmly with flat fingers until you feel the pulse in the radial artery.
To measure the pulse on the neck, place the index and middle finger just to the side of the Adam's apple, in the soft hollow area. This pulse is felt in the common carotid artery.
How to take your pulse. 1. Place the tips of your index and middle finger on the inside of your wrist below the base of your thumb. 2. Press lightly. You will feel the blood pulsing beneath your fingers. 3. Use a watch or clock with a second hand. Count the beats you feel for 1 minute. Or count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. This is also called your pulse rate. How the Test is PerformedThe pulse can be measured at areas where an artery passes close to the skin. These areas include the:
To measure the pulse at your wrist, place your index and middle finger over the underside of your opposite wrist, below the base of the thumb. Press with flat fingers until you feel the pulse. To measure the pulse on the neck, place the index and middle fingers just to the side of the Adam's apple, in the soft, hollow area. Press gently until you locate the pulse. Note: Sit or lie down before taking the neck pulse. The neck arteries in some people are sensitive to pressure. Fainting or slowing of the heartbeat can result. Also, do not take the pulses on both sides of the neck at the same time. Doing so can slow the flow of blood to the head and lead to fainting. Once you find the pulse, count the beats for 1 full minute. Or, count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. This will give the beats per minute. How to Prepare for the TestTo determine the resting heart rate, you must have been resting for at least 10 minutes. Take the exercise heart rate while you are exercising. How the Test will FeelThere is a slight pressure from the fingers. Why the Test is PerformedMeasuring the pulse gives important information about your health. Any change from your normal heart rate can indicate a health problem. Fast pulse may signal an infection or dehydration. In emergency situations, the pulse rate can help determine if the person's heart is pumping. Pulse measurement has other uses as well. During or immediately after exercise, the pulse rate gives information about your fitness level and health. Normal ResultsFor resting heart rate:
What Abnormal Results MeanResting heart rates that are continually high (tachycardia) may mean a problem. Talk to your health care provider about this. Also discuss resting heart rates that are below the normal values (bradycardia). A pulse that is very firm (bounding pulse) and that lasts for more than a few minutes should be checked by your provider as well. An irregular pulse can also indicate a problem. A pulse that is hard to locate may mean blockages in the artery. These blockages are common in people with diabetes or hardening of the artery from high cholesterol. Your provider may order a test known as a Doppler study to check the blockages. ReferencesBernstein D. History and physical examination in cardiac evaluation. In: Kliegman RM, St Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 449. Schriger DL. Approach to the patient with abnormal vital signs. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 1/16/2021 Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 09/30/2021. What are the main 5 arteries for pulses?The pulse may be palpated in any place that allows an artery to be compressed near the surface of the body, such as at the neck (carotid artery), wrist (radial artery), at the groin (femoral artery), behind the knee (popliteal artery), near the ankle joint (posterior tibial artery), and on foot (dorsalis pedis artery).
Which artery is used most often for taking a pulse?Radial artery pulse - The radial pulse is palpated immediately above the wrist joint near the base of the thumb (i.e., common site), or in the anatomical snuff box (i.e., alternative site), by gently pressing the radial artery against the underlying bone with the middle and index fingers.
What are the 8 arterial pulse points?These areas include the following:. Radial Pulse. The radial artery is one of two arteries in the upper arm that supply blood to the hand. ... . Carotid Pulse. ... . Femoral Pulse. ... . Brachial Pulse. ... . Temporal Pulse. ... . Apical Pulse. ... . Popliteal Pulse. ... . Posterior Tibial Pulse.. What are the three places you can take a pulse?The best places to take your pulse are at your wrist, inside the elbow, at the side of your neck or on the top of your foot, according to The American Heart Association. You can also take your pulse at your groin, on your temple or behind your knees. The pulse felt on the neck is called the carotid pulse.
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