Radial Artery: Anatomy, Function, Uses and When to Seek Care
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is the radial artery?
The radial artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers. It runs from the elbow toward the thumb just under the skin, so it is used to check a pulse and access the circulation for some heart procedures. New hand numbness or weakness after a procedure needs assessment. [1]
What the research says
Reaching the heart through the wrist is associated with fewer bleeding complications than going through the groin. A meta-analysis of 9 studies (3,889,257 patients; 389,580 transradial and 3,499,677 transfemoral) found transradial angioplasty was associated with lower major bleeding (pooled OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.40–0.64) and lower mortality (pooled OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45–0.66), in both women and men. The best access route still depends on the patient and procedure (Sattar et al., The American Journal of Cardiology, 2022). [2]
Radial artery blockage after wrist access is common, most often early on, and often improves. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 66 studies (31,345 participants) found incident radial artery occlusion ranged from under 1% to 33%; it was 7.7% within 24 hours and 5.5% at more than one week of follow-up. Higher heparin doses were the most effective measure studied for reducing occlusion (Rashid et al., Journal of the American Heart Association, 2016). [3]
The ulnar artery is blocked about as often as the radial artery, and stronger blood thinning during the procedure is protective. A meta-analysis of 112 studies (46,631 patients) found crude radial and ulnar occlusion rates did not differ (5.2% vs 4.0%). Radial occlusion was higher with low-dose heparin (7.2%) than high-dose heparin (4.3%), and late recanalization occurred in a substantial minority. These are decisions for the procedural team (Hahalis et al., Journal of the American Heart Association, 2017). [4]
What is the radial artery?
The radial artery is a blood vessel in the forearm. It carries oxygenated blood away from the heart and toward the lower arm and hand. [1]
Its branches help supply several nearby structures, including the elbow joint, forearm muscles, wrist bones and joints, the thumb and index finger, and the radial nerve. The radial nerve is involved in movement and sensation in the arm and hand. [1]
The radial artery is part of a larger network of blood vessels. Blood reaches the upper arm through major arteries before moving through the branches that supply the forearm and hand. [1]
Where is the radial artery located?
The radial artery runs along the inside of the forearm from the elbow toward the thumb. It lies close to the surface of the skin. [1]
At the wrist, a pulse can often be felt by placing fingers over the artery on the thumb side. The visible blue or purple vessel near the wrist is usually a vein, not the radial artery.
The following landmarks help distinguish its course:
Location | What happens there |
Upper arm | The brachial artery carries blood toward the elbow. |
Elbow | The brachial artery divides into the radial and ulnar arteries. |
Forearm | The radial and ulnar arteries travel in parallel toward the hand. |
Wrist | The radial artery lies close enough to the skin for pulse checks. |
Hand | Branches help supply the hand, thumb, index finger and wrist structures. |
What does the radial artery do?
The radial artery delivers oxygenated blood to tissues in the forearm and hand. Its branches help support muscles, joints, nerves and the fingers. [1]
Although it is a single named artery, it works as part of a connected circulation. The radial artery and ulnar artery run parallel through the forearm and contribute to blood flow in the hand.
If the radial artery is damaged or absent, the ulnar artery may be able to provide blood flow instead. The circulation in the hand is therefore supported by more than one arterial route. [1]
What are the radial artery branches?
The radial artery is one of two major branches formed when the brachial artery divides near the elbow. The other branch is the ulnar artery. [1]
Both arteries continue down the forearm and send branches toward the hand. Their paths and branches help deliver blood to the forearm muscles, wrist, thumb, index finger and other hand structures. [1]
The exact pattern of smaller branches can vary from person to person. For that reason, clinicians consider the individual circulation when planning an arterial procedure or evaluating a hand or forearm concern.
How do healthcare professionals use the radial artery?
The radial artery is useful in clinical care because it is superficial and easy to reach at the wrist. Its location allows healthcare professionals to assess the pulse and, in selected situations, use it as an access point for testing or treatment. [1]
Pulse and heart-rate checks
A clinician can place fingers over the radial artery and count the beats to assess pulse and heart rate. People sometimes do this themselves, but a pulse reading is only one part of a health assessment.
Heart catheterization and other cardiac procedures
The radial artery can provide access for cardiac catheterization, angioplasty and stenting. This is called transradial access because the catheter enters through the wrist or forearm rather than through the femoral artery in the groin. [1]
Compared with femoral access, transradial access may involve less bleeding, less discomfort and a faster recovery for some patients. The appropriate access route depends on the procedure and the person’s clinical circumstances. [1]
Coronary artery bypass grafting
The radial artery can also be used as part of coronary artery bypass grafting. In this setting, a segment of the artery may serve as a graft to help create a new route for blood flow around a blocked coronary artery. [1]
Arterial blood gas testing
A blood sample from the radial artery can be used to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. This test is known as an arterial blood gas measurement. [1]
Arterial blood-pressure monitoring
A catheter placed in the radial artery can provide a more precise, continuous measure of blood pressure in selected clinical settings. This is called arterial cannulation.
Dialysis access
The radial artery may also be part of an arteriovenous fistula used for kidney dialysis. An arteriovenous fistula connects an artery and a vein to create access for dialysis treatment. [1]
Clinical use | Why the radial artery may be used |
Pulse check | Its superficial position makes the pulse accessible at the wrist. |
Cardiac catheterization | It can provide an access route for selected heart procedures. |
Angioplasty or stenting | A catheter may travel through the arterial system from the wrist or forearm. |
Arterial blood gas | Blood can be sampled to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. |
Arterial cannulation | It can support precise blood-pressure monitoring in selected settings. |
Dialysis access | It may contribute to an arteriovenous fistula. |
Bypass grafting | It can be used as a graft in coronary artery bypass surgery. |
What conditions can affect the radial artery?
The radial artery is a superficial artery, meaning it is close to the skin. It is not as prone to plaque buildup that narrows arteries as some larger blood vessels. [1]
A procedure through the radial artery can still have complications. A blockage, also called an occlusion, may affect circulation or irritate nearby nerves. Possible effects include numbness in the hand or fingers and, in some cases, nerve-related symptoms. [1]
Cleveland Clinic notes that a problem involving the radial artery leads to carpal tunnel syndrome less than 3% of the time. A symptom after arterial access should not be used to identify a condition on its own. A healthcare professional can assess the timing, circulation, sensation and strength of the hand. [1]
What symptoms should be checked after a radial-artery procedure?
Contact a healthcare professional if you develop a new or unexplained change in the hand or forearm after transradial access. Important symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of sensation and difficulty gripping or holding objects.
A change in color or temperature, increasing pain or rapidly worsening swelling can also be concerning after an invasive procedure and should be reported promptly. Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, especially if the hand appears poorly perfused or you cannot move it normally. If the wrist access site starts bleeding or a fast-growing lump appears, press firmly on the site and call emergency services (911 in the US) if the bleeding does not stop.
Symptom | Why professional assessment matters |
Hand or arm numbness | May indicate a circulation or nerve problem after access. |
Unexplained tingling | Can signal irritation or altered sensation in the hand or forearm. |
Loss of hand strength or sensation | May affect safe use of the hand and needs assessment. |
Inability to grip or hold items | Can reflect a meaningful change in hand function. |
Increasing pain, swelling or color change | May need prompt evaluation after an invasive procedure. |
How can someone protect circulatory health?
The same habits that support general circulatory health can also support the blood vessels. Staying physically active on most days, eating a heart-healthy diet and quitting smoking are practical steps. If you smoke, the CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers resources offer free tools to help you quit. [1]
These habits do not guarantee that a person will avoid every artery or circulation problem. They are part of a broader approach that may also include routine care and management of health conditions.
Healthy habit | Practical focus |
Physical activity | Move regularly on most days, within your abilities and professional guidance. |
Heart-healthy eating | Choose an eating pattern that supports overall cardiovascular health. |
Avoiding tobacco | If you smoke, seek support to quit. |
Follow-up care | Keep recommended appointments and report new symptoms after procedures. |
When should someone talk to a healthcare professional?
Talk with a healthcare professional after transradial access if you notice hand or arm numbness, loss of strength or sensation, unexplained tingling, or difficulty gripping and holding items.
It is also reasonable to ask questions before a planned procedure. You can ask which artery will be used, how the access site will be monitored, what symptoms are expected during recovery and whom to contact if something changes.
A new symptom does not automatically indicate a serious problem, but it deserves context-specific assessment. Do not remove a dressing, change prescribed medicines or begin treatment on your own unless a qualified professional tells you to do so.
Questions to ask before or after radial-artery access
Question | Why it can help |
Which access route is planned? | Helps you understand whether the procedure uses the wrist, forearm or groin. |
How will circulation be checked afterward? | Clarifies what the care team will monitor. |
Which symptoms are expected? | Separates normal recovery sensations from changes that should be reported. |
Whom should I call if numbness or weakness develops? | Gives you a clear next step if symptoms appear. |
When can I safely use the hand normally? | Helps you follow individualized recovery instructions. |
Conclusion: A small artery with a big clinical role
The radial artery is a superficial blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the forearm and hand. It begins near the elbow when the brachial artery divides and travels toward the thumb alongside the ulnar artery. [1]
Its position makes it useful for pulse checks and for selected heart procedures, blood tests, blood-pressure monitoring, dialysis access and bypass grafting. Most concerns arise in the context of a procedure, when new numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of sensation or difficulty gripping should be assessed. [1]
If you are preparing for transradial access or recovering from it, write down your questions and keep the care team’s contact instructions nearby. [1]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the radial artery a vein?
No. The radial artery is an artery, which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart. A nearby vein may look blue or purple through the skin, but it is a different blood vessel.
Where is the radial artery located?
The radial artery runs along the inside of the forearm from the elbow toward the thumb. It lies close to the skin, especially near the wrist.
Why can I feel my pulse at my wrist?
The radial artery is superficial at the wrist. Placing fingers over it can allow a person or clinician to feel and count the arterial pulse.
What is transradial access?
Transradial access is a way to reach the circulation through the radial artery, often at the wrist or forearm, for selected heart tests and procedures. It is an alternative to access through the femoral artery in the groin.
Is transradial access safer than femoral access?
Transradial access may cause less bleeding and discomfort and may allow faster recovery than femoral access for some people. The best route depends on the procedure and the individual situation.
Can the radial artery become blocked after a procedure?
A blockage, or occlusion, can occur after a catheter procedure through the radial artery. Report new numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of sensation or difficulty gripping to a healthcare professional.
Can the ulnar artery replace the radial artery?
If the radial artery is damaged or absent, the ulnar artery may be able to provide blood flow to the hand. Individual circulation varies, so clinicians assess each person’s anatomy and symptoms.
Can a radial-artery problem cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
Cleveland Clinic notes that a radial-artery problem leads to carpal tunnel syndrome less than 3% of the time. Symptoms should be evaluated in context rather than used to make a diagnosis without an examination.
How can I keep my radial artery healthy?
General circulatory-health habits include being physically active most days, eating a heart-healthy diet and quitting smoking. Ask a healthcare professional how these habits fit your needs.
When should I seek urgent care?
Seek prompt medical assessment for a new change after radial-artery access, especially numbness, weakness, loss of sensation or difficulty using the hand. Severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling, color change or inability to move the hand warrants urgent attention.
Related Reading
Understanding the Ulnar Artery covers the forearm artery that works alongside the radial artery.
Cardiac Catheterization (Heart Cath): Why It's Done, Procedure, Risks and Recovery explains the heart procedure often done through the wrist's radial artery.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test: Purpose, Procedure, Normal Values and Results explains the blood test usually drawn from the radial artery.
Understanding Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein Harvesting describes how vessels are taken for use in heart bypass surgery.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Radial Artery: Anatomy and Function. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated October 26, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21856-radial-artery
Sattar Y, Song D, Kompella R, et al. Meta-analysis comparing gender-based cardiovascular outcomes of transradial versus transfemoral access of percutaneous coronary intervention. Am J Cardiol. 2022;162:49-57. PMID 34903346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2021.08.059
Rashid M, Kwok CS, Pancholy S, et al. Radial artery occlusion after transradial interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Heart Assoc. 2016;5(1):e002686. PMID 26811162. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.115.002686
Hahalis G, Aznaouridis K, Tsigkas G, et al. Radial artery and ulnar artery occlusions following coronary procedures and the impact of anticoagulation: ARTEMIS systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017;6(8):e005430. PMID 28838915. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.116.005430
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips From Former Smokers. CDC. Last reviewed March 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
It is non-diagnostic. A symptom after radial-artery access can have more than one explanation, and a professional examination may be needed. It does not replace individualized instructions from the clinical team, especially after catheterization, angioplasty, stenting, bypass surgery, arterial blood sampling, arterial cannulation or dialysis access.
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