The brachial artery is a major blood vessel extending through the upper arm, serving as a primary conduit for blood flow to the lower arm and hand. Its pulsation provides insights into the circulatory system, making it a commonly assessed pulse point. The brachial artery is situated along the inner side of the arm.
Finding the Brachial Pulse
Locating the brachial pulse requires specific positioning and careful palpation. For adults, have the person extend their arm slightly with the palm facing upward. This position helps expose the inner arm, specifically the antecubital fossa (the bend of the elbow). Identify the bicep muscle on the front of the upper arm; the brachial artery runs along the inner side of the arm, often in a groove between the bicep and tricep muscles.
To feel the pulse, place the pads of your index and middle fingers just above the elbow crease on the inner side of the arm. Apply gentle but firm pressure until you detect a rhythmic pulsation. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own pulse and can lead to an inaccurate reading. If the pulse is not immediately felt, try adjusting the pressure or slightly shifting your fingers within the groove. Relaxing the arm can also help.
For infants, the brachial pulse is typically located higher up the arm, between the shoulder and the elbow. Gently press two or three fingers on the inner side of the infant’s upper arm, applying light pressure to avoid occluding the pulse. Infant pulses can be lighter and faster than those of adults, requiring a delicate touch.
When to Assess the Brachial Pulse
The brachial pulse is assessed in several situations to provide information about a person’s circulatory status. In infants, it is the preferred site for checking a pulse during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) because the carotid artery can be difficult to locate. Assessing the brachial pulse during infant CPR helps determine the effectiveness of chest compressions and blood circulation.
This pulse point is also fundamental for measuring blood pressure in adults. A blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm, and the brachial artery is monitored to determine systolic and diastolic pressures. Healthcare professionals routinely assess the brachial pulse as part of general health monitoring to check for adequate circulation, especially in cases of arm injury or in unconscious individuals.
Understanding Pulse Characteristics
Once located, several characteristics of the brachial pulse can be observed. The pulse rate refers to how fast the heart is beating, typically measured in beats per minute. A normal resting heart rate for adults usually falls between 60 to 100 beats per minute, though well-trained athletes might have lower rates. The rhythm indicates whether the beats are regular or irregular; a regular rhythm means pulsations occur at even intervals with consistent strength. Variations in rhythm can sometimes suggest underlying cardiac conditions. The strength, or quality, describes the force of each beat, ranging from strong and bounding to weak and thready, reflecting the volume of blood ejected with each heartbeat.