Higher pressures lead to greater palpated intensity as the peripheral vasculature distends more forecfully and to a higher degree.
This waveform is propagated throughout the arterial system and can be felt and seen easily in several areas of the periphery.
The subsequent release of that distention somewhat sustains the systolic wave of blood throughout the body, creating a spike followed by a downward sloping plateau in pulse waveform. This high-pressure wave distends the arteries, especially compliant “elastic” or “conducting” arteries, which tend to be larger and closer to the heart. Finally, modern medical technology allows for evaluation of pulses in ways beyond palpation, such as using Doppler ultrasound to characterize the pulse waveform further.ĭuring systolic contraction of the heart, a high amplitude wave of blood gets ejected through the aortic valve out towards the periphery. Peripheral pulses can be used to identify many different types of pathology and are therefore, a valuable clinical tool. Palpation occurs at various locations of the upper and lower extremities including the radial, brachial, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis arteries and most commonly evaluates the rate, rhythm, intensity, and symmetry. This phenomenon is readily palpated and serves as a useful clinical tool, comprising one of the most commonly performed physical examination maneuvers at every level of medical care.
A peripheral pulse refers to the palpation of the high-pressure wave of blood moving away from the heart through vessels in the extremities following systolic ejection.