Pulse, bounding

• A rapid heart rate and bounding pulse both occur normally with heavy exercise , pregnancy , fever , or high anxiety .
• The pulse rate is normally fast in infants. The pulse is usually not bounding in an infant, however.
• A bounding pulse is often associated with high blood pressure or fluid overload. Fluid overload can occur with congestive heart failure , acute renal failure , chronic renal failure , and other conditions.

Note: There may be other causes of a rapid or bounding pulse. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for a rapid or bounding pulse, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Follow prescribed therapy.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• there is any sudden, severe, or persistent increase in the pulse intensity or rate particularly when accompanied by other symptoms or when not relieved by resting for a few minutes.

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting bounding pulse in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • Is this the first time that a bounding pulse has been present?
  • Did it develop suddenly or gradually?
  • Is it present continuously?
  • Is it only there when other symptoms (such as palpitations ) are also present?

• aggravating factors
  • Are you pregnant ?
  • Have you had a fever ?
  • Have you been very anxious or stressed?
  • Do you have known high blood pressure ?
  • Do you have congestive heart failure ?
  • Do you have kidney failure ?

• relieving factors
  • Does it get better if you rest?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination:
Vital signs (temperature, pulse , rate of breathing, blood pressure ) will be monitored and heart monitoring may be indicated.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies ( CBC or blood differential )
• ECG
• echocardiography
• X-rays of the chest

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to a rapid or bounding pulse, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.