What is the carotid pulse?

The carotid pulse is the pulse felt along the large carotid artery, which is located on either side of the neck. This pulse is significant because the carotid arteries are major blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face. When monitoring the carotid pulse, it is important for assessing heart rate and rhythm, especially in critical situations, as it provides immediate feedback about the circulatory status of an individual.

Understanding the location of the carotid pulse compared to other pulse points, such as the wrist, temple, or ankle, highlights its unique role in cardiovascular assessment. The wrist pulse is often referred to as the radial pulse and is not as clinically significant in emergencies as the carotid pulse. Similarly, the pulse at the temple or found at the ankle serves other purposes and is used in different contexts. The carotid pulse remains a primary and reliable indicator of blood flow, particularly in emergency medical situations.