![]() ![]() However, there is much to commend routinely following this with examination of the larger brachial and carotid arteries to feel the nature of the wall and particularly the character of the pulse. Clinically it is traditional to examine the radial pulse first.Such examination technique can be practised according to the requirements of the particular examination to ensure success. In clinical examinations it is important that the student follow instructions and take clues from the questions posed by the examiner and the type of examination (distinguish, for example, between a request to examine a pulse and conducting a cardiovascular examination).This will depend on circumstances and whether there are specific clinical reasons for examining a particular pulse or for systematically examining all arterial pulses.Other sites may be examined for pulses, in special circumstances - for example, the temporal artery (for tenderness in temporal arteritis) and the ulnar artery (if the radial cannot be felt or before arterial access at the radial site). Palpation of the abdominal aorta would also form part of this systematic examination (to identify abdominal aortic aneurysms for example). Systematic examination normally involves palpating in turn radial, brachial, carotid, femoral and other distal pulses. Medication (many drugs can affect the pulse, including beta-blockers and digoxin).Īrterial pulses can be examined at various sites around the body.Lifestyle and occupation (the fit and trained athletes have very low pulse rates).Past medical history (particularly of thyroid, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease).Age (affects the likelihood of atherosclerosis).There are many symptoms which may be relevant however, some examples include: ![]() HistoryĪs with all clinical examination, there are aspects of the history which are particularly relevant to abnormalities in the pulse. It is important to develop a reliable routine for examining the pulse and to refine and improve the technique throughout a career. Still today, thorough examination of the pulse can provide a lot of information and help form an accurate diagnosis. ![]() Historically, in the Middle or Far East, doctors were expected to make many diagnoses on examination of the radial pulse alone. Such routine examination can reveal an unexpected and timely diagnosis. Systematic cardiovascular examination can provide a diagnosis quickly without need for invasive or expensive tests. It is very easy to overlook the art of clinical examination when new technology can so easily be employed to make diagnoses. ![]()
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