Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) Topic Review

The point of maximal impulse, known as PMI, is the location at which the cardiac impulse can be best palpated on the chest wall. Frequently, this is at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.

When dilated cardiomyopathy is present, this can be shifted laterally. Also, a hyperdynamic PMI is seen in hyperdynamic states.