Pulses Flashcards
What is pulsus alterans?
When the upstroke of the pulse alternates between strong and weak - indicates systolic dysfunction (seen in patients with heart failure)
Who might you see pulsus alterans in?
In patients with heart failure (it indicates systolic dysfunction)
Describe a collapsing pulse
Has a forceful rapid upstroke and downstroke
Describe a jerky pulse
Has a forceful upstroke
Describe a slow-rising pulse
Has a slow upstroke
Describe a bisferiens pulse
When there are two upstrokes during systole
-seen in mixed aortic valve disease
When would you hear a collapsing pulse?
In aortic regurgitation
Features of severe aortic stenosis
Narrow pulse pressure Slow rising pulse Soft/absent S2 S4 Thrill
What is pulsus paradoxus?
Greater than normal fall in systolic blood pressure during inspiration
(faint or absent pulse during inspiration)
Who would you see pulsus paradoxus in?
Severe asthma
Cardiac tamponade
When would you see a slow-rising/plateau pulse
Aortic stenosis
When would you see a collapsing pulse?
Aortic regurgitation
PDA
Hyperkinetic (anaemia, thyrotoxicosis, fever, exercise/pregnancy)
When would you see a jerky pulse?
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
HCOM
