The term collapsing pulse is used to describe a pulse with a
rapid upstroke and descent, and is characteristically described in aortic
regurgitation.
Other names of the
collapsing pulse
- Watson's water hammer pulse
- Cannonball pulse
- Pulsus celer.
How to elicit collapsing pulse?
To elicit the collapsing pulse you have to palpate the
carotids or the radial pulse.
For the radial pulse:
- Ask the patient to fully pronate his forearm.
- Place your right hand on the radial pulse.
- Grasp the patient's forearm with left hand (with your palm on the flexor aspect of patient's forearm).
- Raise the hand above the level of the patient's head
- Repeat the manoeuvre to note the accentuation of the collapse in the elevated position.
