Pulse volume refers to the movement of the vessel wall during the passage of the pulse wave. The degree of movement may be referred to as full, weak or thready. The stroke volume of the ventricles, as well as the "health" of the vessel walls, affect the pulse volume.
To evaluate the vessel wall condition, lightly compress the radial artery against the underlying bone. At diastole the artery cannot be discerned unless some thickening or calcification has occurred. In severe cases of arteriosclerosis, the vessel may even feel tortuous.
The normal adult pulse rate is approximately seventy-two beats per minute and has a regular rhythm. The amplitude of the arterial pulse is determined by the left ventricular stroke volume, the rate of ejection, the pulse pressure, the distendability of the arterial bed, the peripheral resistance and the distance from heart to vessel being palpated. A low amplitude or weak pulse is the result of diminished stroke volume, narrow pulse pressure or increased peripheral resistance. A high amplitude or bounding pulse is the result of a large stroke volume, wide pulse pressure or lowered peripheral resistance.