Asthma
Cardiac Tamponade
Pericarditis, Constrictive

Pulsus Paradoxus

Pulsus paradoxus, characterized by a systolic pressure drop exceeding 10 mm Hg during inspiration, stems from altered mechanical forces affecting cardiac chambers and pulmonary vasculature. Pulsus paradoxus is a manifestation of an underlying disease process rather than a disease state. While commonly associated with pericardial diseases, notably cardiac tamponade, and constrictive pericarditis, it is crucial to recognize its occurrence in non-pericardial cardiac conditions and noncardiac contexts. In the emergency department, early identification of pulsus paradoxus proves pivotal for swift diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. In addition, its measurement aids in assessing the severity of acute asthma and gauging therapeutic responses. This activity reviews the diverse etiologies, pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of pulsus paradoxus, empowering healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to recognize pulsus paradoxus early in emergency settings, aiding in the rapid diagnosis of conditions such as cardiac tamponade. The importance of improving coordination among the interprofessional team to facilitate timely intervention and optimize care is highlighted.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.