Publication at Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové |
2020
Abstract
Pulsus paradoxus (PP) represents a decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration of more than 10mmHg. It is caused by pathologically altered cardiopulnonary interactions that lead to a transient decrease in stroke volume and pressure wave amplitude (systolic - diastolic pressure difference).
PP can be easily examined. It is an important sign of a number of pathological conditions (e.g. cardiac tamponade, severe asthma, massive pulmonary embolism, hypovolemic shock).
The dynamics of PP can also be used to monitor response to fluid treatment. In addition to the actual pulse palpation, PP can be objectified on the plethysmographic curve of pulse oximetry.