Which pulse has outward deflection?

Which pulse has outward deflection?

• A. Carotid
• B. Jugular
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

The outward deflection characterizes an arterial pulse, which is generated by the brisk, high-pressure ejection of blood from the heart. The carotid pulse is an arterial pulse, and as systole occurs, the pressure wave expands the artery outward and you feel a strong, forward thrust under your finger. In contrast, the jugular venous pulse reflects right atrial pressure and venous return rather than forward arterial ejection, so its waveform and the way it presents on palpation or tracing do not show the same outward deflection. Hence, the carotid pulse shows outward deflection.

The outward deflection characterizes an arterial pulse, which is generated by the brisk, high-pressure ejection of blood from the heart. The carotid pulse is an arterial pulse, and as systole occurs, the pressure wave expands the artery outward and you feel a strong, forward thrust under your finger. In contrast, the jugular venous pulse reflects right atrial pressure and venous return rather than forward arterial ejection, so its waveform and the way it presents on palpation or tracing do not show the same outward deflection. Hence, the carotid pulse shows outward deflection.