Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Pulse - bounding

Bounding pulse

 

A bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.

Causes

 

A bounding pulse and rapid heart rate both occur in the following conditions or events:

  • Abnormal or rapid heart rhythms
  • Anemia
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Heart failure
  • Heart valve problem called aortic regurgitation
  • Heavy exercise
  • Fever
  • Pregnancy, because of increased fluid and blood in the body
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if the intensity or rate of your pulse increases suddenly and does not go away. This is very important when:

  • You have other symptoms along with increased pulse.
  • The change in your pulse does not go away when you rest for a few minutes.
  • You already have been diagnosed with a heart problem.

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

Your provider will do a physical exam that includes checking your temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure. Your heart and circulation will also be checked.

Your provider will ask questions such as:

  • Is this the first time you have felt a bounding pulse?
  • Did it develop suddenly or gradually? Is it always present, or does it come and go?
  • Does it only happen along with other symptoms, such as palpitations? What other symptoms do you have?
  • Does it get better if you rest?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Have you had a fever?
  • Have you been very anxious or stressed?
  • Do you have other heart problems, such as heart valve disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure?
  • Do you have kidney failure?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

  • Blood studies ( CBC or blood count )
  • Chest x-ray
  • ECG (electrocardiogram)
  • Echocardiogram

 

 

Open References

References

Fang JC, O'Gara PT. The history and physical examination. In: Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 11.

Goldman L. Approach to the patient with possible cardiovascular disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 51.

 
  • Taking your carotid pulse

    Taking your carotid pulse - illustration

    The carotid arteries take oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain. The pulse from the carotids may be felt on either side of the front 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.

    Taking your carotid pulse

    illustration

    • Taking your carotid pulse

      Taking your carotid pulse - illustration

      The carotid arteries take oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain. The pulse from the carotids may be felt on either side of the front 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.

      Taking your carotid pulse

      illustration

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Pulse - bounding

         
         

        Review Date: 5/17/2016

        Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

         
         
         

         

         

        A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



        Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.