The brachial pulse is a palpable beat of the brachial artery, a major blood vessel on the inner side of the upper arm. It provides valuable information about an infant’s heart rate and circulatory function. Monitoring it is important for parents and caregivers as a straightforward indicator of an infant’s health. Understanding how to assess this pulse is useful for quick health checks.
Understanding the Brachial Pulse Location
The brachial artery runs along the inside of the upper arm, from the shoulder towards the elbow. In infants, the brachial pulse is typically located on the inner side of the arm, midway between the elbow and the shoulder. This area often has a slight groove between the biceps and triceps muscles, making the artery more accessible.
This location is preferred for infants because their smaller and more delicate anatomy makes other pulse points, such as the radial pulse at the wrist or the carotid pulse in the neck, more challenging to locate reliably. The brachial artery is easier to feel in infants due to their softer skin and less developed musculature. Its accessibility and clarity make it a reliable site for assessing an infant’s circulatory status.
Step-by-Step Brachial Pulse Assessment
Place the infant on a flat, comfortable surface, such as a changing table or firm bed. Ensure the infant’s arm is relaxed and slightly extended to make locating the pulse easier. A calm infant allows for a more accurate reading. If available, another person can gently help hold the infant’s arm in place.
To locate the pulse, place two or three fingers (index and middle) on the inside of the infant’s upper arm. Position your fingers midway between the shoulder and the elbow, aiming for the brachial artery. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own pulse, which could lead to an inaccurate reading.
Once your fingers are in position, apply gentle pressure. The pressure should be firm enough to detect the pulse but not so hard that it obstructs blood flow. It may take a few moments to feel the rhythmic beat. If you have difficulty, try adjusting the pressure slightly or moving your fingers a small amount within the area.
After finding the pulse, count the beats for a specific duration. For a quick estimate, count beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to determine beats per minute. For a more precise reading, especially if the pulse feels weak or irregular, count for a full 60 seconds. This method provides a more accurate assessment of the infant’s heart rate.
What Your Infant’s Pulse Means
After assessing the brachial pulse, observing both the rate and rhythm provides important health insights. A normal heart rate for infants varies by age and activity level. For newborns (0-1 month), the awake heart rate ranges from 100 to 190 beats per minute (bpm), and when sleeping, it’s 90 to 160 bpm. Infants from 1 to 11 months old have an awake heart rate between 80 and 160 bpm, with a sleeping rate between 90 and 160 bpm.
A heart rate outside these ranges or an irregular rhythm may indicate an underlying issue. For instance, a consistently high pulse (tachycardia) may suggest fever, infection, or dehydration. A slow pulse (bradycardia) could point to a heart problem or breathing difficulty. If the infant’s pulse is too fast to count, consistently slow, irregular, or cannot be found, it warrants immediate attention.
If you are concerned about your infant’s pulse, or if they show other signs of distress like difficulty breathing, pale or blue-tinged skin, or unresponsiveness, seek medical attention promptly. In emergencies, if no pulse is detected within 5 to 10 seconds, or if the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute with signs of poor circulation, initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be necessary.