Apical pulse

Apical pulse refers to the pulse that is palpated at the apex of the heart. It is a crucial aspect of cardiovascular examination and is often used in the assessment of patients with cardiac diseases.

Definition

The apical pulse is the pulse that is felt at the point of maximum impulse (PMI), which is the point on the left side of the chest where the heartbeat can be most strongly felt. The PMI is typically located in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.

Measurement

The apical pulse is usually measured using a stethoscope. The healthcare provider places the stethoscope on the chest wall over the PMI and counts the number of heartbeats per minute. This measurement is particularly important in infants and children, as well as in adults with certain types of heart disease.

Clinical significance

The apical pulse can provide important information about the heart's function and rhythm. A discrepancy between the apical pulse and the radial pulse, known as a pulse deficit, can indicate a cardiac arrhythmia. In addition, changes in the location or quality of the apical pulse can suggest structural changes in the heart, such as those caused by heart failure or cardiomyopathy.

See also

• Pulse
• Heart rate
• Cardiovascular examination
• Cardiac arrhythmia

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