What is the ulnar pulse?
The ulnar pulse is the pulse of the ulnar artery. It is the artery that originates from the brachial artery. It supplies blood to the little finger and half of the ring finger.
The ulnar pulse can be felt on the wrist from the side of the little finger. More precisely, it is proximal to the pisiform bone.
What can you assess with an ulnar pulse?
The ulnar pulse allows the assessment of the health of the hand circulation and the ulnar artery blood flow. The measurement of the ulnar pulse can help in evaluation of a hand injury or vascular disease in the artery [1, 2, 3].
However, the ulnar pulse can also be used in the examination of the ulnar nerve. For example, the ulnar pulse can help in the assessment of the ulnar nerve neuropathy [4, 5].
Additionally, on the ulnar artery, you can also measure the heartbeat frequency.
How to measure the ulnar pulse?
To measure the ulnar pulse, you have to follow these steps:
- Find the ulnar artery. Place your index and middle fingers on the side of the wrist closest to the little finger. The ulnar artery pulse should be palpable above the wrist.
- Once you've located the ulnar artery, apply light pressure with your fingers. This will help with feeling the pulse better.
- Count the beats you feel in 10 or 30 seconds and multiply this number by six or two, respectively. The result will give you the pulse rate in beats per minute.
You should seek medical attention when the pulse is irregular, slower than 60, faster than 100, weak, or unusually strong [6].
What diseases can affect the ulnar pulse?
Several conditions can affect the ulnar pulse. Among them are:
- ulnar artery thrombosis [7],
- trauma to the ulnar artery [8],
- peripheral arterial disease [9],
- ulnar neuropathy [10],
- systemic sclerosis [11],
- anomalous hypothenar muscle [12],
- diffuse intramuscular hemorrhage [13].
What is the radial pulse?
The radial pulse is the pulse of the radial artery. It can be felt on the wrist from the side of the thumb [14].
The radial pulse is a popular spot for measurment of the peripheral pulse [15].
What can you assess with a radial pulse?
The radial pulse, similar to the ulnar pulse, allows the estimation of peripheral blood flow and heart rate. The radial pulse also allows the evaluation of the heart rhythm and the radial artery condition [16, 17].
Also, the radial pulse can serve as an indicator of the systolic blood pressure. A weak radial pulse can mean a low systolic pressure [18].
Additionally, the radial pulse is used in the assessment of trauma patients [18].
How to measure the radial pulse?
The radial pulse can be taken by hand or by a sensor placed on the wrist.
To measure the radial pulse by hand, you need to follow these steps:
- Locate the radial artery. Place your index and middle fingers on the thumb side of your wrist.
- Find the pulse. Gently press down on the artery. You should feel the radial pulse below your fingers.
- Count the beats you feel in 10 or 30 seconds, then multiply this number by six or two, respectively. The result will give you the pulse rate in beats per minute.
You should seek medical attention when the pulse is irregular, slower than 60, faster than 100, weak, or unusually strong [6].
What diseases can affect the radial pulse?
The radial pulse can be affected by a variety of diseases. Among them are:
- peripheral arterial disease [9],
- cold stress-related suboptimal health state [16],
- coronary artery disease [19],
- radial artery spasm [20],
- chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorder [21].
What is the distal pulse?
A distal pulse is a pulse measured at the periphery of the body. The peripheral regions of the body are the legs and the arms.
Places of peripheral pulse measurement include the radial pulse, ulnar pulse, brachial pulse, femoral pulse, tibial pulse, popliteal pulse, temporal pulse, and dorsal pedal pulse.
What can you assess with a distal pulse?
The distal pulse is a crucial measurement that allows for the assessment of cardiovascular conditions and health. It allows to measure the heart rate and the blood flow through different peripheral regions of the body [22].
What is a normal distal pulse?
A physiological distal pulse is considered to be more than 60 and less than 100 beats per minute [23].
What diseases can affect the distal pulse?
Many diseases can affect the distal pulse. Among them are: