When you are enjoying an athletic activity, you will notice your heart beats faster than when you are just resting and reading a book. When you exercise, your body may need three to four times your average cardiac output. This happens because your muscles need more oxygen when you exert energy. So what causes pulse deficit, and what is it? Pulse deficit is when one finds a difference in count between heartbeat and peripheral pulse. So what causes pulse deficit in people? In this blog, we will address what pulse deficit is, its causes, how to take a pulse, symptoms, and treatments.
What is Pulse Deficit?
Pulse deficit occurs when the heart is contracting, and the pulse is not reaching the periphery. Pulse deficit can be dangerous if not treated properly, this is especially true if heart conditions run in your family. No need to worry because once you know the signs and what causes pulse deficit, you will know to reach out to a doctor to get help for yourself or a loved one.
Taking a Pulse
If you are wondering if your family member has a pulse deficit, it is important to know how to properly take a pulse. You can begin taking a pulse by putting two fingers on a person’s neck or wrist.
When Measuring Pulse in Someone’s Wrist:
- Have the person’s arm held out straight, with the palm of their hand facing upwards
- Place your first finger and middle fingers on their wrist, near the base of their thumb
- Pull out a clock that shows your the seconds clearly, count how many beats you feel for one minute
- If you can’t seem to find their pulse move your fingers around a bit and press a little harder on their wrist
If you take a person’s pulse and get an abnormally high number of heartbeats per minute or a wide range of different numbers when taking a pulse multiple times, you may consider taking them to a professional.
What Causes Pulse Deficit
- Increased in anxiety
- After exercise or other physical activity
- Heavy blood loss
- Situations of extreme or chronic pain
- Low blood pressure or hypotension
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Overactive thyroid gland
The causes of pulse deficit are good to note to ensure you are keeping your body in check.
What are the Symptoms of Pulse Deficit?
Once you know the symptoms of pulse deficit, you will be able to detect early signs of pulse deficit or other problems in your health or your family’s health.
- Increased heartbeats
- Decreased pulse rate, primarily if it occurs rapidly
- Noticing for an extended period of time differences in the pulse rate of a heartbeat from the norm for one’s age group
Treatment for Pulse Deficit
When dealing with pulse deficit, treatments can look like rest, mindfulness, and meditation. There are different types of mediation one can participate in. One practice is seated meditation:
- You would begin by sitting quietly and closing your eyes and breathing slowly
- Relax all your muscles beginning with the low body
- Shrug your shoulders and roll your neck
- As you exhale, say the word peace out loud or to yourself
- Continue to do this for five to ten minutes
- When your thoughts begin to wander off into space, just bring your mind back to the pattern
These treatments are able to help restore the heart rate and pulse back to its regular pattern. Surgery and medication are also options to consider when treating the thing that causes pulse deficit. The most important thing you can do for your health is to attend all yearly checkups because it is always better to find out things in the early stages.
Our team is ready to serve you with resources and treatments. If you have any questions about what causes pulse deficit, you can contact us through our website. We would be happy to assist you with anything regarding what causes pulse deficit and help your schedule an appointment.
