Pulse, bounding

Alternative names:

bounding pulse; heartbeat - fast; rapid heart rate; tachycardia

Home care:

Follow prescribed therapy.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is any sudden, severe, or persistent increase in the pulse intensity or rate particularly when accompanied by other symptoms or when not relieved by resting for a few minutes.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting bounding pulse in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • Is this the first time that a bounding pulse has been present?
  • Did it develop suddenly or gradually?
  • Is it present continuously?
  • Is it only there when other symptoms (such as palpitations) are also present?

• aggravating factors
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Have you had a fever?
  • Have you been very anxious or stressed?
  • Do you have known high blood pressure?
  • Do you have congestive heart failure?
  • Do you have kidney failure?

• relieving factors
  • Does it get better if you rest?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination:
Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) will be monitored and heart monitoring may be indicated.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies (CBC or blood differential)
• ECG
• echocardiography
• X-rays of the chest

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to a rapid or bounding pulse, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.