“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
PMI stands for "Point of Maximum Impulse," which refers to the location on the chest wall where the heartbeat can be felt most strongly. This is also known as the apical impulse and is typically located at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line.
The PMI is an important physical examination finding used to evaluate the cardiovascular system. It is felt by placing the palm of the hand over the chest while the patient is lying down, and is typically measured in centimeters. A normal PMI is less than 2.5 cm and is felt as a quick, gentle tapping sensation.
Changes in the location or intensity of the PMI can be indicative of various cardiac conditions. For example, an enlarged heart due to conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or heart failure can cause the PMI to be displaced and more prominent. In contrast, a weakened heartbeat due to conditions such as myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy can cause the PMI to be less noticeable or absent.
In addition to evaluating the PMI, a thorough cardiovascular examination typically includes auscultation of heart sounds, measurement of blood pressure, and assessment of peripheral pulses. These findings, along with a patient's medical history and other diagnostic tests, can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment options.