Slow rising pulse

This wave form is characterised by a slow upstroke. It is particularly prominent in the brachial and carotid pulses. The time taken to reach the peak is prolonged and the entire wave is flattened and of small amplitude. Slow rising pulses are less obvious in the peripheral pulses.

Possible causes include :-

• aortic valve stenosis - in this condition the rate of ejection of blood into the aorta is decreased so that the duration of the ejection is prolonged. The amplitude of the pulse is diminished as a consequence
• poorly functioning left ventricle may give rise to a slow rising wave form due to slow ejection from the poorly functioning ventricle