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Pulse - weak or absent

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Neck pulse
Neck pulse

Alternative names    Return to top

Weak pulse; Absent pulse

Definition    Return to top

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 may not indicate a problem. Sometimes the process itself of feeling for a pulse (such as in the wrist) can make a pulse hard to detect.

Common Causes    Return to top

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

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: 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:

Update Date: 6/8/2003

Updated by: David Webner, M.D., Department of Family Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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