bisferiens pulse
Last reviewed 01/2018
In the bisferiens wave form there are two pressure peaks. The sequential changes in pressure are described below:
- an initial sharp upstroke
- a small decrease in pressure
- a second peak, similar to the first
- a decrease in pressure down to baseline
This wave form has a large amplitude and the examiner should be able to feel two distinct impulses with each pulse beat.
This pulse is felt best in the radial artery.
In a bisferiens pulse, the 2 peaks both occur in systole. In contrast to an anacrotic or bisferiens pulse, the 2 peaks in a dicrotic pulse occur in systole and diastole.