Decreased Pulse Volume

CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL

A decreased pulse volume, also known as a weak or thready pulse, refers to an arterial pulse that feels faint when palpating the arteries. This condition may indicate a reduction in the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat or an increase in peripheral resistance. Identifying the underlying cause of a decreased pulse volume is crucial for the proper diagnosis and treatment of associated medical conditions.

Pathology	Suspected Diagnosis	Confirmatory Diagnosis
Reduced cardiac contractility	Weak pulse, dyspnoea, fatigue, exercise intolerance.	Echocardiogram, blood tests (BNP, troponins).
Hypovolaemia	Weak and rapid pulse, hypotension, dizziness, pale and cool skin.	Blood tests (haematocrit, electrolytes), abdominal ultrasound.
Hypovolaemia secondary to vasodilation	Weak pulse, hypotension, warm extremities, moist skin.	Clinical history, blood tests, renal and liver function tests.
Aortic stenosis	Weak and delayed pulse, systolic murmur, dyspnoea, syncope.	Echocardiogram, chest X-ray.