Match each classic arterial pulse abnormality with the underlying cardiovascular condition it most strongly suggests.
- Pulsus parvus et tardusSevere aortic stenosis
- Water-hammer (Corrigan) pulseAortic regurgitation
- Pulsus paradoxusCardiac tamponade
- Pulsus alternansSevere left ventricular systolic dysfunction
- Pulsus bisferiensHypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Answer
Pulsus parvus et tardus matches Severe aortic stenosis; Water-hammer pulse matches Aortic regurgitation; Pulsus paradoxus matches Cardiac tamponade; Pulsus alternans matches Severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction; Pulsus bisferiens matches Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
Each physical exam finding is classically associated with specific hemodynamic alterations: fixed outflow obstruction results in pulsus parvus et tardus, hyperdynamic state with aortic runoff produces a water-hammer pulse, ventricular interdependence under pressure causes pulsus paradoxus, severely depressed contractility results in pulsus alternans, and dynamic outflow obstruction creates pulsus bisferiens.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Classic arterial pulse abnormalities provide critical diagnostic clues for specific structural and functional cardiovascular pathologies.