Bisferiens pulse

In the bisferiens wave form there are two pressure peaks. The sequential changes in pressure are described below:

• an initial sharp upstroke
• a small decrease in pressure
• a second peak, similar to the first
• a decrease in pressure down to baseline

This wave form has a large amplitude and the examiner should be able to feel two distinct impulses with each pulse beat.

This pulse is felt best in the radial artery.

In a bisferiens pulse, the 2 peaks both occur in systole. In contrast to an anacrotic or bisferiens pulse, the 2 peaks in a dicrotic pulse occur in systole and diastole.