Collapsing Pulse
July 1st, 2020
Overview
Collapsing pulse can be thought of as a palpably widened pulse pressure; in the context of aortic regurgitation or PDA it is often possible to feel a markedly water hammer pulse on lifting the arm up.
How to Perform
- Ask the patient if they have any pain in their shoulder, and then lift their arm up while palpating their radial pulse.
Feel for a strong pulse with sudden drop in intensity following its peak.
Causes of Collapsing Pulse
- Aortic regurgitation
- Patent ductus arteriosus
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