The types of tests that a doctor would order to properly diagnose Pulsus Paradoxus include:
1. Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope test: This involves inflating the blood pressure cuff until the heartbeat sound disappears and gradually deflating it while listening with a stethoscope. The difference between the blood pressure readings during exhalation and inhalation defines pulsus paradoxus.
2. Monitoring blood pressure changes: If the patient has an indwelling arterial access, doctors can directly observe the blood pressure changes throughout the breathing cycle on a monitor.
3. Additional diagnostic tests: If there is suspected or known pooling of fluid around the heart, additional tests such as an ECG (heart rhythm test), chest X-ray, and ultrasound of the heart may be ordered.
4. Treatment-specific tests: Depending on the underlying cause of pulsus paradoxus, additional tests may be needed. For example, if it is due to a severe lung disease, bronchodilator therapy and treatment for the specific cause of the lung disease may be necessary. If it is caused by a fault in a heart valve, a team of heart specialists may develop a treatment plan based on the patient's specific condition.