Pulse - weak or absent

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Neck pulse

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Pulse - weak or absent

Weak or absent pulse is any difficulty in feeling a pulse, or an inability to detect a pulse at all. See also the information on CPR for more information about first-aid procedures.

An absent or weak pulse may affect one limb or affect the whole body.

The absence of a pulse as determined by a lay person (someone who is not a medical professional) may not indicate a problem. Sometimes the process itself of feeling for a pulse (such as in the wrist) may make a pulse hard to detect.

• Improper technique used to feel for the pulse
• Normally weak pulse that is difficult to measure without proper instruments
• Shock
• Cardiac arrest (lack of an effective heartbeat)

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