Which pulse site is closest to the elbow

Posterior tibial pulse - The posterior tibial pulse is palpated posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus by gently pressing the tibial artery against the underlying bone with the middle and index fingers. Dorsalis pedis pulse - The dorsalis pedis pulse is palpated in the groove between the first and second toes slightly medial on the dorsum of the foot i. Temporal pulse - The temporal pulse i. Usually, there's no need to take your child's pulse. Your doctor will check it during office visits.

Go to the ER or call right away if your child has any of the symptoms listed above and:. Some smartphone apps can count a pulse by pressing a finger over the camera lens. For a good reading, your child needs to be very still, so this method works best in older kids who can cooperate. Some fitness and other smart watches can take a pulse too. Before using one of these, ask your doctor if it's a good idea or if they recommend a particular heart rate app. Note: All information is for educational purposes only.

For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Search KidsHealth library. How to take your pulse By Mayo Clinic Staff. Taking your pulse using your radial artery Use the tip of your index and third finger to feel the pulse in your radial artery between your wrist bone and the tendon on the thumb side of your wrist. Taking your pulse using your carotid artery Put the tip of your index and long finger in the groove of your neck along your windpipe to feel the pulse in your carotid artery.

Taking Your Pulse mcpf. Virk A expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. Blood pressures are typically taken with a blood pressure cuff. But blood pressure can be measured using catheters placed inside the arteries. Because the arteries are punctured, this is known as invasive blood pressure monitoring. In most people, the resting ankle pressure is greater than the pressure at the crook of the arm, known as the brachial blood pressure.

The ratio of the ankle pressure to the brachial pressure is called the ankle-brachial index ABI. Toe pressures can be measured with miniature blood pressure cuffs to check for poor blood flow in the toes.

Arterial pressure can be estimated in the upper thigh, above the knee, and in the upper calf by placing blood pressure cuffs at the appropriate levels. The pressures can be compared between the two legs or at different levels in the same leg. Blood pressures can be measured at the elbow brachial , forearm, or wrist. Large differences between pressures at the various levels suggest arterial blockage.