medical Definition of natural 1: having, constituting, or relating to a classification based on features existing in nature 2: of or relating to nature as an object of study and research
The apical pulse is a measure of cardiac function that is completed by placing a stethoscope at the apex of the heart and counting for one minute. It represents the opening and closing of the valves in the heart.
If the patient is on antiarrhythmic meds., an apical pulse would be more accurate....especially if they are not in a sinus rhythm because all of the irregular heart beats may not be palpable radially. It would be important to auscultate the apical pulse to detect irregular beats. Aug 7, '07.