Pulsus alternans occurs in
Ans. Answer is D (MI) Pulsus alternans indicates severe impairment in LV function and may be seen in conditions causing severe LV dysfunction such as Myocardial Infarction Pulsus Alternans Pulsus alterans is charachterized by regular alteration of the pressure pulse amplitude despite a regular rhythm It is defined by beat to beat variation of the pulse amplitude but with a single peak and independent of the respiratory cycle. In pulsus bigeminus there is also a regular beat to beat variation but it is caused by a premature ventricular contraction that follows each regular beat. Pulsus alterans is charachteristically seen in Left ventricular failure and conditions causes LVF ( including MI) Causes of Pulsus Alternans 1. In patients with Hea Disease Left ventricular Failure and conditions causing LVF Presence of pulsus alterans usually indicates severe impairment of LV function. 2. In patients without Hea Diesease During or following paroxysmal tachycardia For several beats following a premature beat
Constrictive pericarditis
Viral myocarditis
Hypokalemia
MI