What does an erratic pulse mean?

An arrhythmia is an uneven heartbeat. It means your heart is out of its usual rhythm. It may feel like your heart skipped a beat, added a beat, or is “fluttering.” It might feel like it’s beating too fast (which doctors call tachycardia) or too slow (called bradycardia).

What is fluctuating heart rate?

This rate can rise or fall due to structural or electrical disorders of the heart. Changes may also be due to certain behavioral or environmental factors. An irregular heart rhythm can cause the heart rate to jump between high and low in a condition called arrhythmia, or dysrhythmia.

What is an irregularly irregular pulse?

An irregular irregular pulse is defined as a pulse in whihc the heart beats are spaced very irregularly with no discernable pattern.

What causes an irregular pulse?

Common triggers for an arrhythmia are viral illnesses, alcohol, tobacco, changes in posture, exercise, drinks containing caffeine, certain over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, and illegal recreational drugs.

How is the apical pulse rate of an adult determined?

Once the PMI has been located, your doctor will use the stethoscope to listen to your pulse for a full minute in order to obtain your apical pulse rate. Each “lub-dub” sound your heart makes counts as one beat. An apical pulse rate is typically considered abnormal in an adult if it’s above 100 beats per minute (bpm) or below 60 bpm.

When to use a stethoscope for apical pulse?

A stethoscope is used to measure the apical pulse, and it is best assessed while the patient is either lying down or sitting. Apical pulse happens when the left ventricle of the heart contracts. Left ventricle forms the apex of the heart. Hence, the apical pulse is best measured by placing a stethoscope over the area of the apex.

Where is the apical pulse in the chest?

It is found on the left side of the chest in the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line. The apical pulse is also the location of PMI…

When is the best time to take an apical pulse?

When should an apical pulse be taken? The apical pulse is typically taken during a cardiac exam if a patient has a family history of heart disease or has been experiencing symptoms of heart disease including chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue.