Pulsus alternans as a sign of right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation

Pulsus alternans (PA) is a phenomenon of beat-to-beat alternations in systolic blood pressure caused by variations in stroke volume. The underlying pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Variation in the inotropic state of the heart is proposed as an underlying mechanism.1 One hypothesis includes a Frank –Starling-induced increase in stroke volume after each low stroke volume beat, which ends with a higher end-systolic volume.1 Abnormal calcium handling has also been suggested as a contributory mechanism.
Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Brief Report Source Type: research
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