The clinical finding where the radial pulse rate is less than the apical pulse rate, measured simultaneously, indicates a discrepancy in cardiac function. This difference signifies that not every heartbeat auscultated at the apex of the heart results in a palpable pulse at a peripheral artery, such as the radial artery. For example, if auscultation reveals a heart rate of 80 beats per minute, but palpation of the radial artery only detects 70 beats per minute, a deficit of 10 beats per minute exists.
Identifying this difference is crucial for evaluating cardiovascular health. The presence of this irregularity can suggest an underlying cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or premature ventricular contractions. Recognition allows for timely interventions, including further diagnostic testing and potential treatment strategies. Historically, accurate assessment required meticulous manual counting of apical and radial pulse rates by skilled clinicians. This manual process highlights the enduring clinical relevance of careful physical examination techniques in cardiology.
