The physical assessment of the patient with arterial disease.

Utilizing techniques of inspection, palpation, and auscultation the complete arterial system of a patient should be examined when arterial insufficiency is suspected. Examination of pulses of the upper part of the body is important not only in localizing disease but also in indicating diffuse disease. Although described separatley in this article, the examination of the arterial system can be integrated in a complete physical examination when the examiner is assessing the extremities, the abdomen, and the cardiovascular system.