Pulsus parvus et tardus


Pulsus parvus et tardus is charactrized by all Except


A. Slow-rising

B. Late-peaking

C. Low-amplitude

D. Best Felt in Radial artery



What is pulsus parvus et tardus?


Seen in – aortic valve stenosis


“Pulsus parvus et tardus” refers to a carotid upstroke which is –

  1. weak – parvus
  2. delayed – tardus

How to assess “Pulsus parvus et tardus”


To asses for “parvus,”


Palpate one’s own carotid artery while concurrently palpating the patient’s carotid artery. Appreciate the weak pulse


To assess for “tardus,”


  1. Auscultate the patient’s S2 heart sound while palpating their carotid upstroke.
  2. The S2 and carotid upstroke should occur almost simultaneously.
  3. If the carotid upstroke comes significantly after the S2 heart sound, “tardus” is present indicating severe aortic stenosis.

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