Two Handed Palpation of the Apex Impulse

Next
Previous
(screen 4 of 11)

The Normal Apex Impulse

Review the video and summary. Move on to the next screen when done.

 
 

Summary

  • Patient on left side
  • Left hand to right carotid
  • Right hand to chest wall
  • Normal apical tap precedes the carotid upstroke
  • Reason: Time lag for arterial pulse to reach the carotid artery.
  • Normal apex impulse is caused by iso-volumic contraction of the left ventricle (before ejection begins).