Peripheral Pulse

Advanced pulse assessment interprets the arterial waveform characteristics that reflect upstream cardiac function and downstream vascular impedance. Pulsus alternans (alternating strong and weak beats) indicates severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Pulsus paradoxus (>10 mmHg SBP drop during inspiration) suggests cardiac tamponade, severe asthma, or constrictive pericarditis. Pulsus bisferiens (two systolic peaks) occurs in aortic regurgitation with stenosis or HOCM. Water-hammer pulse (Corrigan pulse) with wide pulse pressure reflects aortic regurgitation. Pulse deficit (apical rate exceeding radial rate) indicates atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response where some contractions are too weak to generate a palpable peripheral pulse. The NP integrates these findings with hemodynamic principles: pulse pressure (SBP - DBP) reflects stroke volume and arterial compliance, while MAP reflects end-organ perfusion.