ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Pulse - weak or absent

Definition

A weak pulse means you have difficulty feeling a person's pulse (heart beat). An absent pulse means you can not detect a pulse at all.

See also: CPR

Alternative Names

Considerations

An absent or weak pulse may affect all or one part of the body.

If a pulse cannot be detected by a non-medical professional, it doesn't always mean there is a problem. Sometimes, it can be hard for a non-medical person to detect a pulse in certain areas.

Causes

• Improper technique used to feel for the pulse
• Normally weak pulse that is difficult to measure without proper instruments
• Shock
• Cardiac arrest (lack of an effective heartbeat)

Home Care

Follow the treatment prescribed by your health care provider. CPR may be necessary!

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if there is any sudden, severe, or long-lasting decrease in the pulse quality or rate, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms.

Shock is a life-threatening condition. Seek immediately medical help if you think someone has gone into shock.

A loss of consciousness or disorientation suggests that there is not enough blood getting to the brain. Seek immediately medical help.

Your medical provider will obtain a medical history, do a physical exam, and ask questions like:

• Is the pulse weak?
• Is it absent?
• Is the pulse weak or absent in only one location?
• Is a major pulse weak or absent (for example, when checking the carotid pulse in the neck)?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination may include monitoring of the vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure). Emergency measures will be taken as necessary. Continued monitoring may be necessary.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Aortography
• Arteriography such as extremity arteriography
• Doppler ultrasonography
• Blood studies (CBC or blood differential)
• ECG
• Echocardiography
• X-rays of the chest