A regular different pulse keeps one, two, or more circulations, or cycles, without changing the pattern of the beating of the pulse. One circulation simply means the number of beats that occur within one second, and the interval between beats. The irregular different pulse has similar variations in the interval, but does not come around in a full circle to the original pulse beat pattern. The final guide to the pulse derives from the concept that each man, woman, and child, while in good health, should possess a certain pulse rhythm that is appropriate for the age and emotional development of that person. If the pulse is beating in accordance with the norms, it is said to be benign.
Malignant pulses are of three types.
A similar rhythm is that which resembles an age rhythm that follows immediately in development sequence, such as a child having the pulse rhythm of a young man. Different rhythm is a pulse that does not immediately follow in the developmental sequence, such as a child having the pulse rhythm of an old man. This is the ultimate kind of irregular pulse, for it signals an imminent and severe change in temperament. The varieties of irregular pulse are classified according to distinctive names. These are summarized below.