Definition

A bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.

Alternative Names

Bounding pulse

Causes

A bounding pulse and rapid heart rate may both occur in the following conditions or events:

• Abnormal or rapid heart rhythms
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Long-term (chronic) kidney disease
• Fever
• Heart failure
• Heart valve problem called aortic regurgitation
• Heavy exercise
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Pregnancy, because of increased fluid and blood in the body
• Use of caffeine or other stimulants

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if the intensity or rate of your pulse increases suddenly and does not go away. This is very important when:

• You have other symptoms along with increased pulse, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or loss of consciousness.
• The change in your pulse does not go away when you rest for a few minutes.
• You already have been diagnosed with a heart problem.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will do a physical exam that includes checking your temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure. Your heart and circulation will also be checked.

Your provider will ask questions such as:

• Is this the first time you have felt a bounding pulse?
• Did it develop suddenly or gradually? Is it always present, or does it come and go?
• Does it only happen along with other symptoms, such as palpitations? What other symptoms do you have?
• Does it get better if you rest?
• Are you pregnant?
• Have you had a fever?
• Have you been very anxious or stressed?
• Do you have other heart problems, such as heart valve disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure?
• Do you have kidney disease?
• Do you consume stimulants such as caffeine or cold medicine or drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

• Blood studies (CBC or blood count), basic metabolic panel
• Chest x-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram

References

Fang JC, O'Gara PT. History and physical examination: an evidence-based approach. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 13.

Japp AG, Din JN, Robson JMJ. The cardiovascular system. In: Dover AR, Innes JA, Fairhurst K, eds. Macleod's Clinical Examination. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 4.

McGrath JL, Bachmann DJ. Vital signs measurement. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 1.