Bounding Pulse: Symptoms, Causes, And Diagnosis - Healthline

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Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — Written by Carmella Wint on August 12, 2020

Causes
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Diagnosis and treatment
Prevention

What is a bounding pulse?

A bounding pulse is a pulse that feels as though your heart is pounding or racing. Your pulse will probably feel strong and powerful if you have a bounding pulse. Your doctor might refer to your bounding pulse as heart palpitations, which is a term used to describe abnormal fluttering or pounding of the heart.

Underlying causes of a bounding pulse

In many cases, the cause for a bounding pulse is never found. On the other hand, when the cause is found, it is usually not severe or life-threatening. But on occasion, a bounding pulse can point to a serious health problem that requires medical attention.

Anxiety: Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of fear and apprehension about what’s to come. Learn more about anxiety with this overview of anxiety disorders.
Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life, but in some people, they can become bigger issues. Learn what causes stress and anxiety and how to manage them.
Pregnancy: Bleeding or spotting, increased need to urinate, tender breasts, fatigue, nausea, and missed period are signs of pregnancy. Read about the different signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
Fever: Fever is also known as hyperthermia, pyrexia, or elevated temperature. It describes a body temperature that’s higher than normal. Learn more about the cause and treatments for fever.
Heart failure: Heart failure is characterized by the heart’s inability to pump an adequate supply of blood. Learn about heart failure symptoms, causes, types, and treatment.
Anemia: Anemia happens when the number of healthy red blood cells in your body is too low. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all of the body’s tissues. Find out more about causes, symptoms, and treatments of anemia.
Abnormal heart rhythms: An abnormal heart rhythm is when your heart beats too fast, slow, or irregularly. This is also called an arrhythmia. Read about the types of abnormal heart rhythms and their treatment.
Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland produces a hormone that controls how your cells use energy. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the body produces excessive amounts. Learn about the symptoms and treatments for hyperthyroidism.
Hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) is often associated with few or no symptoms. Many people have it for years without knowing it. Find out about diagnosing, treating, and preventing high blood pressure.
Aortic valve insufficiency: Aortic valve insufficiency (AVI) is also called aortic insufficiency or aortic regurgitation. This condition develops when the aortic valve is damaged. Read more about AVI diagnosis and treatment.
Hypertensive heart disease: Hypertensive heart disease refers to heart conditions caused by high blood pressure. Find out more about the different risk factors for and types of hypertensive heart disease.
Atrial fibrillation and flutter: Atrial fibrillation and flutter are irregular heart rhythms that occur when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly or too fast. Read more about the causes and treatments for atrial fibrillation and flutter.
Congestive heart failure: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition that affects the chambers of your heart. Learn more about CHF, including symptoms and risk factors.
Digitalis toxicity: Digitalis toxicity occurs when you take too much digitalis, a medication used to treat heart conditions. Learn the risk factors and symptoms of digitalis toxicity. This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

How will I know that my pulse is bounding?

With a bounding pulse, you may feel that your heart is beating faster than normal. You may feel your pulse in the arteries of your neck or throat. Sometimes you can even see the pulse as it moves the skin in a more forceful way.

It may also feel like your heart is beating irregularly or that it has missed a beat, or like there is an occasional extra, more forceful heartbeat.

Do I need to see a doctor for a bounding pulse?

Most incidences of a bounding pulse come and go within a few seconds and are not a cause for concern. However, talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you have a history of heart problems, such as heart disease, and have a bounding pulse.

If you experience any of the following symptoms along with your bounding pulse, get emergency medical care immediately, as these could be signs of a serious problem, like a heart attack:

dizziness
confusion
abnormal sweating
lightheadedness
difficulty breathing
fainting
tightness, pressure, or pain in your neck, jaw, arms, chest, or upper back

Diagnosing and treating your symptoms

Try to keep track of when your bounding pulse occurs and what you are doing when it happens. Also, be knowledgeable of your family’s medical history. This information will help your doctor to diagnose any condition that may be causing your symptom.

Your doctor will discuss your medical history to see if you have a personal or family history of heart problems, thyroid disease, or stress and anxiety. Your doctor will also look for a swollen thyroid gland, which is a sign of hyperthyroidism. They may perform tests such as a chest X-ray or electrocardiogram to rule out arrhythmia. An electrocardiogram uses electrical pulses to trigger your heartbeat. This will help your doctor find irregularities in the rhythm of your heart.

Unless your bounding pulse is caused by an underlying condition such as arrhythmia or hyperthyroidism, medical treatment is usually not necessary. However, if being overweight is causing the problem, your doctor may advise you about ways to lose weight and live a healthier, more active lifestyle.

If you are found to be healthy overall, your doctor may simply recommend ways to reduce your exposure to triggers of your abnormal heartbeat, such as stress or too much caffeine.

What can I do to stop my symptoms from returning?

If your bounding pulse is caused by a health condition such as hyperthyroidism or an arrhythmia, be sure to follow the health regimen your doctor recommends. This includes taking any medications that they have prescribed.

If you are overweight and experiencing bounding pulse, try to find healthy ways to lose weight and get in shape. The Mayo Clinic suggests some fun, easy ways to work fitness into your schedule, such as:

taking your dog or the neighbor’s dog for a walk
using television time to be active by lifting weights, walking on the treadmill, or riding your exercise bike
doing chores such as mopping the floor, scrubbing the bathtub, mowing the lawn with a push mower, raking leaves, and digging in the garden
making fitness your family time such as riding bikes together, playing catch, walking, or running
starting a lunchtime walking group at work

If stress and anxiety seem to be the culprit, take steps to reduce them by doing things like:

laughing more: watch a comedy or read a funny book
connecting with friends and family: make plans to meet for dinner or coffee
getting outside: take a walk or ride your bike
meditating: quiet your mind
getting more sleep
keeping a journal

Once your doctor has determined that you don’t have any serious underlying causes for your heart palpitations, try not to worry about them too much. Worrying about your irregular heartbeat only adds additional stress to your life.

Limiting your alcohol and caffeine consumption can also help to keep your pulse from bounding. Some herbs (such as those used in energy drinks), medications, and even tobacco smoke can act as stimulants and should be avoided. Talk to your doctor about stimulant medications you may be on (like those used for asthma) and what your options may be for using an alternative. Do your best to avoid any potential triggers of your bounding pulse.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Boris,J. R. (2013, September 2). Heart palpitations (irregular heartbeats and skippedheartbeats)http://www.chop.edu/service/cardiac-center/heart-conditions/palpitations.html
Marine,J. (n.d.). When to evaluate heart palpitationshttp://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heart_vascular_institute/clinical_services/centers_excellence/womens_cardiovascular_health_center/patient_information/health_topics/when_to_evaluate_heart_palpitations.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, February 5). Fittingin fitness: Finding time for physical activityhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Fitness/HQ01217_D
MayoClinic Staff. (2016, April 21). Stress managementhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-relievers/MY01373/NSECTIONGROUP=2
Mendez,D., & Lapus, R. (2015). Sepsis in children. Journal of Emergency MedicineTrauma and Surgical Care, 2(2), 1-10http://www.heraldopenaccess.us/fulltext/Emergency-Medicine-Trauma-&-Surgical-Care/Sepsis-in-Children.pdf

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Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — Written by Carmella Wint on August 12, 2020

Bounding Pulse: Symptoms, Causes, And Diagnosis - Healthline

Underlying causes of a bounding pulse

How will I know that my pulse is bounding?

Do I need to see a doctor for a bounding pulse?

Diagnosing and treating your symptoms

What can I do to stop my symptoms from returning?

How we reviewed this article:

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