Pulse

[christina1947]

When taking my pulse I feel one beat then the next beat so faint I am not sure if I should count it So one strong beat one so faint almost not there any thoughts anyone If I count all beats HB fine at 60 to 65 but if I only count the certain beats of course it’s a worry. Xxx

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Have a chat with your GP. There is a condition known as "pulsus alternans" but it is fairly rare but it is always best to check these things out.

[christina1947 in reply to MichaelJH]

My GP reffered me urgent to cardiologist but the triage consultant said it wasn’t urgent and my app is in November I had a 24 hr ecg so I hope the triage consultant who decides who is urgent or not looked at it. I get the impression that GP s are not into giving meds or diagnosis on heart problems but it may just be my practice xxx

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to christina1947]

My understanding is that a strong/weak pulse is checked for with a pressure test rather than an ECG. A blood pressure cuff is inflated above the systolic blood pressure and then as the pressure is released the string/weak pulses (if they exist) can be heard. If this has not been done go back to your GP. It seems to me that beyond measuring BP and cholesterol, and prescribing if appropriate, all cardic issues are referred to a hospital.

[christina1947 in reply to MichaelJH]

I have been back to my GP a few times when my pulse was 34 the GP listened to my heart and said it was ok at about 60 so I think listening to your heart can be different to your pulse xxx

[Prada47]

Hi Christina1947 ( Good Vintage Year that )

Recently when in Hospital a Consultant told that when the Heart Rate is fluctuating it is extremely difficult to obtain an accurate count even when on a monitor. I know in my case pulse was erratic due to multiple ectopic beats, a Nurse was taking my pulse the old fashioned way watch and finger at the same time as the monitor was counting, to ensure a reasonable accurate H R count. It was 33 bpm

regards Prada 1947

[christina1947 in reply to Prada47]

Yes 1947 brilliant year sadly 12 months before NHS so I was born in the workhouse LOL back to business 33 bpm seems very low was that the correct count xxx

[Prada47 in reply to christina1947]

Yes 33 currently trying to get it up along with my blood pressure, so that I can move onto the maximum dose of Entresto !!

Regards