Question 1

what would cause a low pulse rate on an elderly person?

Accepted Answer

Many things: Medications are a common cause.  Electrical problems are another.  An ekg and discussion with your doc is definitely warranted. A low pulse associated with symptoms of low cardiac output or a pulse below 30 require immediate attention.

Question 2

is it more difficult for the elderly to palpate their peripheral pulses?

Accepted Answer

Its possible: Hardening of the arteries is common in older adults- it may be the cause of diminished peripheral(both in arms and feet) pulses. Stiff vessels may also cause decreased pulses; and may not be problematic or clinically important. There may not be any symptoms , or a person may have pain in an extremity at rest or with exertion.

Question 3

is a low pulse with high blood pressure dangerous for an elderly person?

Accepted Answer

Depends.: Low pulse rate associated with symptoms or below 50 without meds probably requires some investigation.  The degree of BP elevation determines how "dangerous" it is.  In elderly patients it is often reasonable to accept higher baseline bp's rather than to push medications.  If i can get a BP down to 140/90 range without side effects in an 80 year old I am generally pleased.

Question 4

normal adult pulse rate?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Normal depends on age and activity. At rest, 50-100. With peak exertion, the normal peak heart rate will be in the vicinity of (220 - age in years).  Example: if you're 41, your normal peak hr would be around 179.  This is just a rule of thumb. Many people can exceed this with strenuous exertion.

Question 5

what is a normal pulse rate?

Accepted Answer

No "normal": Average adults can be anywhere in the 40's for athletically active individuals up to the 80's for some people. Average might be 50-70 bpm.

Question 6

what is the normal pulse rate?

Accepted Answer

60 to 100: Heart rate of 60 to 100 BPM is considered normal rate for most average adults.

Question 7

is 159/80 and pulse 64 normal

Accepted Answer

Nope: Pulse is good but blood pressure is high. Monitor it and follow up with your doctor. You need to ensure it is consistently that high and not situational before starting any meds. Until then, work on a healthy diet and weight loss.

Question 8

what is a normal pulse ox reading?

Accepted Answer

Pulse ox: This is a measure of oxygenated hemglobin done by light absorption devices.For people without lung disease a reading of 95% or greater is expected on room air.  If less than 90% then one should look for specific abnormalities. Pulse ox readings can be in error if the extremity (usually a finger) is too cold and florescent  can interfere as well.

Question 9

sudden spike in bp but normal pulse?

Accepted Answer

First question is: How high a spike?  Did it return to normal?  BP and pulse rate are often independent at rest but both increase with exertion.

Question 10

visible suprasternal pulse. is it normal ?

Accepted Answer

Doesn't seem so: Hi. No, that doesn't seem normal. I would guess that an aneurysm of the aortic arch or a subclavian artery could be visible in the suprasternal notch. I think you may get a more definitive answer from a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon. You may want to talk with your doc about it, and maybe get a vascular ultrasound. Good luck!

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Doctor answers about:

Normal pulse for elderly

A member asked:

What would cause a low pulse rate on an elderly person?

A member asked:

Is it more difficult for the elderly to palpate their peripheral pulses?

A member asked:

Is a low pulse with high blood pressure dangerous for an elderly person?

A member asked:

Normal adult pulse rate?

A member asked:

What is a normal pulse rate?

A member asked:

What is the normal pulse rate?

A member asked:

Is 159/80 and pulse 64 normal

A member asked:

What is a normal pulse ox reading?

A member asked:

Sudden spike in bp but normal pulse?

A member asked:

Visible suprasternal pulse. is it normal ?

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