Pulse wave propagation in the arterial systems of upper extremities is studied on nonlinear 1D and linearized 2D mathematical models. Three types of palm arches are considered. The pressure-flow curves in each artery are computed on 1D and 2D models and compared. It is shown the non-linear terms in 1D model lead to asymmetry of the pressure-flow curves, while the wave dispersion proper to the viscoelastic 2D model are negligible. Novel model-based approaches for the clinical pulse wave diagnostics are proposed.

Keywords: hemodynamics, arterial system, blood flow, pulse wave, medical diagnostics