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7.8: Activity 7

Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab Manual II: Neural and Cardiopulmonary Systems · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    Calculating Pulse Deficit

    Pulse deficit is the difference between the apical pulse rate (measured at the heart) and the peripheral pulse rate (measured at sites like the wrist). This measurement is important because it can indicate issues with heart function, particularly in cases of arrhythmias where the heart is not effectively pumping blood to the periphery.

    A pulse deficit can indicate a problem with the efficiency of your heart or cardiac function. A pulse deficit greater than 4 might indicate some physiological problem. Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a common arrhythmia that can result in a rapid, irregular heart rate. This causes a pulse deficit, because each ventricular contraction may not be sufficiently strong to transmit an arterial pulse wave through the peripheral artery. Assessment of the radial pulse in isolation will not be an accurate reflection of the actual heart rate. Other causes for a pulse deficit include atrial flutter.

    Steps to Calculate Pulse Deficit

    1. Measure the Apical Pulse:
      • Use a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeats at the apex (fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line).
      • Count the heartbeats for a full 60 seconds to get the apical pulse rate (in beats per minute, bpm).
    2. Measure the Peripheral Pulse:
      • At the same time (or shortly after), measure the radial pulse (at the wrist) or another peripheral pulse site.
      • Count the beats for a full 60 seconds to get the peripheral pulse rate (in bpm).
    3. Calculate: Simultaneous measurement of apical and radial pulse
      • Pulse deficit is the difference between radial pulse and apical pulse. 
      • Is it greater than 4?

    NOTE: The measurements are for learning purpose only.

    This page titled 7.8: Activity 7 was last modified on Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:36:30 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lakshmikanta Sengupta and Susmita Sengupta.