Causes and risk factors
Common causes of a weak pulse include improper technique used to feel the pulse, shock, or cardiac arrest. Other causes include aortic stenosis, arterial insufficiency, blood loss, chemical poisoning, dehydration, low blood pressure, thoracic outlet syndrome, vasovagal syncope, etc.
Clinical presentation
Patient is mostly asymptomatic. Symptoms such as low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, rapid or irregular heart rate, shallow breathing, clammy skin, chest pain, shooting pain in the arms and legs may be present.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. It includes monitoring the vital signs [pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure]. Diagnostic tests may include aortography or arteriography such as extremity arteriography.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. Absence of pulse is a medical emergency. Pulse monitoring equipment to measure the person’s pulse. If there is no effective heartbeat or the person isn’t breathing, CPR is performed. Underlying disease should be treated; adequate hydration in case of dehydration will help in managing the patient.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating a weak pulse. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates is also found to be effective in treating a weak pulse.
