What Is the Difference Between the Apical and Radial Pulse?

The apical pulse is assessed through a stethoscope placed over the heart, while the radial pulse is typically taken by applying finger pressure to the inner wrist and counting the number of heartbeats. They are the most-common forms of checking a pulse.

Peripheral pulse sites are arteries located away from the heart over bony surfaces. The radial pulse is an example of these sites, as it is located on the wrist, near the bone.