What condition could an apical pulse greater than the radial pulse suggest?

An apical pulse that is greater than the radial pulse can indicate a condition known as vascular insufficiency. This discrepancy occurs when the heart is beating effectively, but there is a problem with the circulation, preventing the full pulse from being felt in the radial artery. The apical pulse is taken directly from the heart, measuring the number of heartbeats per minute, while the radial pulse measures the blood flow in the wrist. If there’s a notable difference where the apical pulse is stronger or more rapid than the radial pulse, it can point towards a blockage or narrowing of the arterial pathways that supply blood, suggesting that not enough blood is reaching the extremities or certain areas of the body. This situation can arise due to various conditions such as peripheral artery disease, heart conditions that affect blood flow, or severe dehydration affecting circulation.