POLYCROTISM Meaning and
Definition
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Polycrotism is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by multiple peaks or waves in an arterial pressure pulse. It is observed in aortic valve stenosis, a heart condition where the valve between the left ventricle and aorta becomes narrow, inhibiting normal blood flow.
In normal arterial pressure pulses, there is a single peak that indicates the ejection of blood from the ventricle into the arteries during systole and the relaxation of the heart during diastole. However, in polycrotism, additional smaller peaks or waves are present in the pressure pulse waveform. These secondary peaks occur due to the delayed closure of the aortic valve, causing residual blood to rebound back into the ventricle and generating subsequent pressure waves.
Polycrotism is typically determined by analyzing the arterial pressure waveform using invasive techniques such as cardiac catheterization or non-invasive methods like arterial tonometry. It is an important diagnostic indicator for assessing the severity of aortic valve stenosis.
Furthermore, polycrotism can have physiological implications. It may lead to increased workload on the heart as it needs to pump blood against greater resistance caused by the narrowed valve. The presence of multiple pressure peaks also affects the efficiency of blood circulation, potentially leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Treatment options for polycrotism resulting from aortic valve stenosis may include medications to manage symptoms, surgical repair or replacement of the valve, or minimally invasive procedures such as balloon valvuloplasty.
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A condition in which the sphygmographic tracing shows several upward breaks in the descending wave.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POLYCROTISM
- oolycrotism
- lolycrotism
- -olycrotism
- 0olycrotism
- pilycrotism
- pklycrotism
- pllycrotism
- pplycrotism
- p0lycrotism
- p9lycrotism
- pokycrotism
- popycrotism
- pooycrotism
- poltcrotism
- polgcrotism
- polhcrotism
- polucrotism
- pol7crotism
- pol6crotism
- polyxrotism
Etymology of POLYCROTISM
The term "Polycrotism" is derived from the Greek words "polys", meaning "many", and "krotos", meaning "beat" or "pulse". It is used in the medical field to refer to a condition characterized by multiple pulses in a heartbeat cycle, as opposed to the normal single pulse.
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