Pulsus alternans and pulsus paradoxus arterial waveforms
Pulsus alternans and pulsus paradoxus arterial waveforms
In pulsus alternans, which is associated with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, there is variation in the amplitude of the systolic arterial pressure with every other beat. In contrast, pulsus paradoxus varies with the respiratory cycle, such that the duration of arterial pressure reduction is sustained during the inspiratory portion of the respiratory cycle.