The femoral pulse is the pulsation of the femoral artery, a large blood vessel in the groin. This artery branches off the external iliac artery and supplies blood to the lower limbs. Assessing this pulse indicates blood circulation and reflects the body’s cardiovascular status. Its superficial location makes it readily accessible for quick assessment.
Locating the Femoral Pulse
To locate the femoral pulse, position the individual comfortably, preferably lying flat on their back, to relax the abdominal and thigh muscles. Identify the crease where the abdomen meets the upper thigh, also known as the inguinal crease. This landmark guides you to the artery’s pathway.
Gently place two or three fingertips in the middle of this crease. The pulse is found approximately midway between the pubic bone and the bony prominence of the hip, known as the anterior superior iliac spine. Apply light but firm pressure, aiming to compress the artery against the underlying bone.
You should feel a rhythmic throbbing sensation under your fingertips. If the pulse is not immediately felt, slightly adjust your fingers upward, downward, or to either side within the defined area. Maintaining light pressure is important, as excessive force can compress the artery too much, making the pulse imperceptible. The sensation should be distinct and consistent.
What the Femoral Pulse Indicates
Assessing the femoral pulse provides information about the circulatory system, including heart rate, rhythm, and blood flow strength. A typical resting pulse rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A regular rhythm means beats occur at consistent intervals, indicating steady heart function.
The strength of the pulse reflects the volume of blood pumped with each heartbeat and the elasticity of the arterial walls. A strong, easily palpable pulse indicates good blood circulation and adequate blood pressure. Conversely, a weak or “thready” pulse, which feels faint and easily compressible, suggests reduced blood volume or impaired cardiac output. A “bounding” pulse, feeling unusually strong and forceful, may indicate conditions like fever or certain heart valve issues.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Several findings when checking the femoral pulse warrant prompt medical evaluation. An abnormally fast pulse, consistently over 100 beats per minute (tachycardia), or an unusually slow pulse, consistently below 60 beats per minute (bradycardia), without a clear cause like intense exercise or rest, warrants investigation. A pulse that feels consistently irregular, with skipped beats or an erratic pattern, requires professional assessment.
A very weak, barely palpable, or absent femoral pulse is a serious sign that demands immediate medical attention. This may indicate conditions such as hypovolemic shock, severe dehydration, or a blockage in the arterial supply to the leg, such as peripheral artery disease. Accompanying symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting alongside any abnormal pulse finding require emergency care.