carotispuls

Carotispuls, commonly referred to as the carotid pulse, is the palpable pulsation produced by the carotid artery. It is part of a routine physical examination and reflects aspects of cardiac output, arterial compliance, and vascular status. The inspection and assessment of the carotid pulse help clinicians gauge heart rate, rhythm, and pulse quality, and can provide clues about underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions.

Anatomy and location: The carotid arteries originate from the aorta on the left and the brachiocephalic trunk on the right, forming the common carotid arteries that ascend in the neck. Each common carotid artery bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries. The carotid pulse is typically palpated along the medial edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, near the level of the larynx, with care not to compress both arteries simultaneously.

Clinical use and interpretation: The presence, amplitude, and contour of the carotid pulse aid in assessing heart rate and rhythm and can indicate abnormalities in cardiac output or aortic valve function. A strong, bounding pulse may be seen in hyperdynamic states; a weak or absent pulse can suggest reduced cardiac output, vascular occlusion, or severe atherosclerotic disease. Variations in the pulse contour can point to conditions such as aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation when considered with other signs.

Technique and precautions: Palpate one carotid artery at a time using two fingers with gentle pressure, avoiding excessive force to prevent vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The patient can be seated or lying supine. Carotid sinus massage or vigorous manipulation is generally avoided in individuals with known carotid disease or cerebrovascular risk and should be performed only in appropriate clinical contexts.

See also: carotid arteries, pulse examination, cardiovascular examination.