Pulse Rhythm
February 15th, 2021
Overview
Palpate the radial pulse for at least thirty seconds and determine whether the beats fall in time or are irregular.
Interpretation
- Regular: sinus rhythm
- Sinus arrhythmia: rhythmic variations in vagal tone with respiration
- Regularly irregular (regular heart rate with occasional missed or extra beats): sinus arrhythmia, second degree heart block, premature ventricular contractions
- Irregularly irregular: atrial fibrillation
Causes of Irregular Pulse
- Sinus arrhythmia
- Sinus arrest
- Second or third degree sinoatrial exit block
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter with variable block
- Multifocal atrial tachycardia
- Second or third degree atrioventricular block
- Premature ventricular contractions
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