Pulse - bounding

Definition:

A bounding pulse is a strong and forceful pulse. Tachycardia is a heart rate that is faster than normal. It can occur alone, or it can accompany a bounding pulse. See also heartbeat sensations.

Alternative Names:

Rapid heart rate; Tachycardia; Heartbeat - fast; Bounding pulse

Considerations:

A bounding pulse can often be seen over arteries that are close to the skin.

A rapid heart rate and bounding pulse can occur together, but can also occur separately. A rapid pulse can be a symptom of arrhythmias.

A bounding pulse is often a sign that there is excessive fluid in the circulation (called fluid overload).

Common Causes:

A rapid heart rate and bounding pulse both occur normally with heavy exercise, pregnancy, fever, or high anxiety.
The pulse rate is normally fast in infants. The pulse is usually not bounding in an infant, however.
A bounding pulse is often associated with high blood pressure or fluid overload. Fluid overload can occur with congestive heart failure, aortic valve regurgitation, chronic renal failure, and other conditions.

Home Care:

Follow prescribed therapy.

Call your health care provider if:

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), you should call your health care provider.

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?
- Do you have valvular heart disease?
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
Echocardiogram
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.

Review Date: 10/5/2001
Reviewed By: Elena Sgarbossa, MD, Department of Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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