Understanding Your Pulse: Measurement, Meaning, and Pulse Oximetry
What Is a Pulse?
The palpable pressure wave generated by ventricular ejection traveling through arteries. Felt at radial, carotid, brachial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial sites.
Physiology
- Heart contracts → stroke volume ejected → arterial wall expands → pressure wave propagates.
- Pulse rate = heart rate (usually). Discrepancy = pulse deficit (e.g., atrial fibrillation).
- Pulse character (amplitude, contour) reflects stroke volume, arterial stiffness, valve lesions.
Pulse Oximetry
Non‑invasive device (fingertip/earlobe) uses spectrophotometry (660 nm red, 940 nm infrared) to measure:
- SpO₂: % hemoglobin saturated with O₂ (normal 95–100%).
- Pulse rate: From plethysmographic waveform.
Limitations: nail polish, poor perfusion, motion, dyshemoglobinemias (COHb, MetHb).
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