Pulse, weak or absent

Alternative names:

absent pulse; weak pulse

Home care:

Follow the treatment prescribed by your health care provider. CPR may be necessary!

Call your health care provider if:

• there is any sudden, severe, or persistent decrease in the pulse quality or rate, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms.
• shock is suspected. This can be life-threatening; take emergency measures now!

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 weak or absent pulse in detail may include:

• quality
  • Is the pulse weak?
  • Is it absent?

• location
  • Is the pulse weak or absent in only one location?
  • Is a major pulse weak or absent (for example, when checking the carotid pulse in the neck)?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination may include monitoring or the vital signs (pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure). Emergency measures will be taken as necessary. Continued monitoring may be necessary.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• aortography
• arteriography such as extremity arteriography
• Doppler ultrasonography
• blood studies (CBC or blood differential)
• ECG
• echocardiography
• X-rays of the chest

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to a weak or absent pulse to your personal medical record.