Pulse - weak or absent

• Illustrations
• Alternative names
• Definition
• Considerations

• Common Causes
• Home Care
• Call your health care provider if
• What to expect at your health care provider's office

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Weak or absent pulse is any difficulty in feeling a pulse, or an inability to detect a pulse at all. See also the information on CPR for more information about first-aid procedures.

Considerations    Return to top

An absent or weak pulse may affect one limb or affect the whole body.

The absence of a pulse as determined by a lay person (someone who is not a medical professional) may not indicate a problem. Sometimes the process itself of feeling for a pulse (such as in the wrist) may make a pulse hard to detect.

Common Causes    Return to top

• 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    Return to top

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

Call your health care provider if    Return to top

• There is any sudden, severe, or persistent decrease in the pulse quality or rate, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms.
• Shock is suspected. This can be life-threatening. Take emergency measures immediately!

What to expect at your health care provider's office    Return to top

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