Philmac Health Care Project

PULSE
Definition: A normally regular beat/throb felt when arteries near the skin (for example, at the neck or wrist) are depressed with fingertips, caused by the heart pumping blood through them.
HOW TO FEEL FOR PULSE
Using the Index finger & middle finger of examiner's hand hand, place the pads of these fingers on the area where pulse is to be felt. Press lightly and feel the pulse. If you can't feel anything press slightly harder, a throb/beat will be felt under the fingers.
PULSE REGIONS
Below are some of the regions where pulse can be felt;
Temporal: Felt on the head.
Carotid: Felt over the neck.
Branchial: Felt above the the elbow-joint.
Femoral: Felt at the groin.
Radial: Felt over the wrist.
Popliteal: Felt behind the knee-joint.
Dorsalis pedis: Felt over the foot.
NATURE OF PULSE
1. Rate
Pulse varies differently among the different ages groups. Below are the expected normal ranges for Pulse calculated in beats per minute (BPM)
-Newborns (0-3months) 99-149BPM
-Infants (3-6months) 89-119BPM
-Children (1-10 years) 69-129BPM
-Children over 10yrs and adults 59-99 BPM
-Athletes (well trained) 39-59BPM
2. Rhythm.
Normal pulse is regular in rhythm and force. An irregular pulse may be due to underlying medical condition like atrial fibrillation.
3.Volume
Degree of expansion of an artery during when the heart rests between beats (diastolic state ) and when the heart contracts to pump blood in arteries (systolic state) This is crucial to blood volume.
4. Hyperkinetic & Hypokinetic Pulse.
Hyperkinetic pulse is a bounding pulse signifying high pulse pressure. It may be due to low peripheral resistance like in fever & anemic state and increased cardiac output. Hypokinetic Pulse is a weak pulse signifying narrow pulse pressure. It may be due to low cardiac output like in shock and congestive cardiac failure. Strength of pulse can be reported as:
0-absent
1-barely palpable
2-easily palpable
3-full
4-aneurysmal or bounding pulse where there's an abnormal blood-filled swelling in the artery/vein
5-Other characteristics including force, tension, form and more
SIGNIFICANCE OF PULSE
Your Pulse is an important indicator of your overall health too. Taking a pulse can be done to determine heart rate, rhythm and strength of the pulse. When your pulse rate is too fast or too slow, that can be a sign of heart or other health problems. The ability to feel your Pulse ate throughout your body is also a potential way for doctors to diagnose medical conditions. Incase of any irregularity with pulse, consult and seeking for medical attention. Thank you

Hello community, I introduce you to Divine Health Care Project (DHCP) a medical and health affiliated program that is going to impact and contribute to different communities around the Nation. Many activities are going to be done all around the country which will include health outreach programs, health education and sensitization on all aspects and fields where health issues will be discussed. Thank you and stay Logged in. May God bless you all 🙏