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Pulse - bounding

Bounding pulse

 

A bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.

Causes

 

A bounding pulse and rapid heart rate may both occur in the following conditions or events:

  • Abnormal or rapid heart rhythms
  • Anemia
  • Anxiety
  • Long-term (chronic) kidney disease
  • Fever
  • Heart failure
  • Heart valve problem called aortic regurgitation
  • Heavy exercise
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  • Pregnancy, because of increased fluid and blood in the body
  • Use of caffeine or other stimulants

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Contact your health care provider if the intensity or rate of your pulse increases suddenly and does not go away. This is very important when:

  • You have other symptoms along with increased pulse, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or loss of consciousness.
  • The change in your pulse does not go away when you rest for a few minutes.
  • You already have been diagnosed with a heart problem.

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

Your provider will do a physical exam that includes checking your temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure. Your heart and circulation will also be checked.

Your provider will ask questions such as:

  • Is this the first time you have felt a bounding pulse?
  • Did it develop suddenly or gradually? Is it always present, or does it come and go?
  • Does it only happen along with other symptoms, such as palpitations? What other symptoms do you have?
  • Does it get better if you rest?
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Have you had a fever?
  • Have you been very anxious or stressed?
  • Do you have other heart problems, such as heart valve disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure?
  • Do you have kidney disease?
  • Do you consume stimulants such as caffeine or cold medicine or drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

  • Blood studies (CBC or blood count), basic metabolic panel
  • Chest x-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Echocardiogram

 

 

References

Fang JC, O'Gara PT. History and physical examination: an evidence-based approach. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 13.

Japp AG, Din JN, Robson JMJ. The cardiovascular system. In: Dover AR, Innes JA, Fairhurst K, eds. Macleod's Clinical Examination. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 4.

McGrath JL, Bachmann DJ. Vital signs measurement. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 1.

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Review Date: 4/9/2024

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