The apical pulse can provide information about heart rate, rhythm, size, and location.
Some abnormalities of the heart’s structure can cause changes in the apical pulse.
The heart apex is located just below the nipple on the left side of the chest.
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It is the pulse point that gives the most accurate heart rate reading.
The collarbone and ribs are landmarks for finding the apical pulse.
This is known as the fifth intercostal space at the mid-clavicular line.
For example, pulses in the leg may be diminished or absent inperipheral artery disease.
Count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiple by four to get bpm.
Or, count for a full minute for better accuracy.
Rhythm
The apical pulse can give information about the heart’s rhythm.
In normal cases, the rhythm is regular, and may have slight variation with respiration.
An irregular rhythm is a sign of anarrhythmia, such asatrial fibrillation.
Apical Pulse Size
The size of the apical pulse should be no larger than a dime.
A larger area can indicate an enlargement of the heart, such as acardiomyopathy.
Feeling two or three impulses with each heartbeat can indicate abnormalities in the heart’s structure.
People with problems of the aortic valve that result in severe regurgitation may feel a double impulse.
AFib increases the risk of fast heart rate and stroke.
By feeling your pulse and listening with a stethoscope, your healthcare provider can confirm if an abnormality exists.
Further studies like heart imaging tests or heart rhythm tests may be recommended.
Pay attention to any symptoms like:
If any concerning symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
It is located on the left side, down five rib spaces from the middle of the collarbone.
If you discover abnormalities in your pulse rate, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
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