Traditional pulse reference
Intermittent Pulse
Intermittent
A terminology and study guide for the traditional description, comparison points, and safety limits of this pulse quality.
Reader guide
A pulse term is not a diagnosis
Traditional pulse descriptions are educational terminology. A pulse finding can vary with pressure, rate, position, posture, activity, medication, age, and the examiner's technique. It must be interpreted with a complete history and examination.
Reviewed by Kuda, September 2, 2026 - Editorial policy
TACTILE DESCRIPTION
How the Pulse Is Described
An intermittent pulse has pauses that recur at a more regular interval and may be followed by a longer gap.
Traditional texts place this sign in serious deficiency or organ-system contexts, but classical prognosis should not be applied online.
CLASSICAL CONTEXT
How Traditional Texts Frame It
The intermittent pulse has pauses that recur with a more regular pattern and may be longer. Classical prognosis should remain historical language and should not be applied remotely.
DIFFERENTIATION
What to Compare
Regularity is the key distinction from hasty and knotted pulses. Count over enough time, repeat the observation, and use a reliable medical measurement for any new irregular rhythm.
- Record pressure level, rate, regularity, width, and strength instead of relying on one label.
- Interpret the pulse alongside symptoms, history, medication, age, posture, stress, and recent activity.
- Do not convert a traditional pulse term into a modern diagnosis without appropriate examination.
COMMON COMBINATIONS
Related Qualities in Study Notes
Intermittent-deep, intermittent-weak, intermittent-slow, and intermittent-full combinations appear in traditional teaching. Fainting or chest pain is an urgent medical issue.
These are terminology pairings used for reading and comparison, not formulas, dosing instructions, or treatment recommendations.
SAFETY BOUNDARY
When Not to Rely on a Pulse Record
A new intermittent rhythm, fainting, chest pain, or breathlessness requires urgent medical assessment.
Pulse education can explain terminology, but it cannot replace an ECG, laboratory testing, imaging, or an in-person clinical assessment.