Pulsus alternans is best associated with which EKG finding?

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Multiple Choice

Pulsus alternans is best associated with which EKG finding?

Pulsus alternans reflects alternating strong and weak cardiac contractions due to severely reduced left ventricles systolic function, signaling unstable output. The ECG correlate that best matches this beat-to-beat fluctuation is a waveform that changes from beat to beat—electrical alternans. In this pattern, the QRS amplitude can rise and fall with each heartbeat, mirroring the mechanical instability of the pulse. The other findings point to different problems—an extended PR interval indicates a conduction delay, and ST elevations suggest acute ischemia—so they don’t fit as well.

Pulsus alternans reflects alternating strong and weak cardiac contractions due to severely reduced left ventricles systolic function, signaling unstable output. The ECG correlate that best matches this beat-to-beat fluctuation is a waveform that changes from beat to beat—electrical alternans. In this pattern, the QRS amplitude can rise and fall with each heartbeat, mirroring the mechanical instability of the pulse. The other findings point to different problems—an extended PR interval indicates a conduction delay, and ST elevations suggest acute ischemia—so they don’t fit as well.

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