Author: A. Chandrasekhar, MD

Consultant: R Gunnar, MD and R. Lichtenberg, MD

Simultaneously palpate both radial pulses.
Note the rate, rhythm, character, amplitude and compare both pulses.
Feel the pulse with one finger.
To evaluate character of pulse - compress brachial artery against humerus and let up part way to feel percussion and tidal peaks.
Raise the patient's forearm and feel for a bounding pulse by feeling with the flat of your palm.

Normal:

Pulse is symmetrical, regular and between 60-90 per minute.
You have to learn to appreciate the character and amplitude of the normal pulse.