Article: Interpreting a pulse, especially an apical pulse, is an art. However, there are many things that one can learn from an apical pulse. These are outlined in the following steps. If the pulse rate is very slow, it could be a normal adaptation for somebody who is in good shape. Some medicines also make the heart beat slower; this is especially true for elderly patients. One classic example of this is the class of drugs called beta-blockers (like metoprolol). These are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, and can slow down the heart rate. A slow heart beat can be either strong or weak. A strong heart beat is a sign of health. If the pulse rate is very fast, it could be normal for someone exercising. Children also have much higher pulse rates than adults do. It could also be a sign of: High blood pressure, heart disease, or infection. The apical pulse may be displaced (meaning it is to the left or the right of where it should be). Obese individuals or pregnant women may have their apical pulse shifted to the left, as the heart gets shifted with extra contents in the abdomen. Heavy smokers with lung disease may have the apical pulse displaced to the right. This is because with lung disease, the diaphragm is pulled down to get as much air as possible to the lungs, and in this process the heart gets pulled down and to the right. If you suspect a displaced heartbeat, move your stethoscope to the side and check the pulse again. Consider if the heartbeat seems unsteady or as though it's skipping beats. There are many potential causes of an irregular heartbeat, some of which are temporary and not harmful. An irregular heartbeat may be caused by heart disease, high blood pressure, smoking, stress, drug use, caffeine consumption, medications, and medical conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea.
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Understand that interpreting heartbeats can be challenging. Determine if the heartbeat you hear is slow. Consider if the pulse you hear is very fast. Consider the likelihood that the heartbeat is displaced. Notice if the pulse is irregular.