How to check the arterial pulse

摘要

This article aims to help healthcare professionals to check the arterial pulse. It focuses on the radial pulse, and also briefly considers the brachial and carotid pulses. The arterial pulse provides information about the patient's condition and is therefore a vital sign. Checking the pulse is an essential clinical skill for healthcare professionals. Palpating the pulse tells us the patient's heart rate. It also provides information on the regularity, volume and character of the pulse.