 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Pulse - weak or absent
Definition:
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. Alternative Names:
Weak pulse; Absent pulse Text Continues Below
Considerations:
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:
- 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)
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