What is pulsus paadoxus?

Pulsus paradoxus is a medical sign characterized by an exaggerated decrease in blood pressure during inspiration, typically greater than 10 mmHg. It is often associated with conditions such as cardiac tamponade, severe Asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During inhalation, the increased negative intrathoracic pressure can lead to reduced venous return to the heart, causing the observable drop in blood pressure. Clinicians assess this phenomenon by measuring blood pressure while the patient breathes normally and then during deep inhalation.