ANACROTISM Meaning and
Definition
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Anacrotism is a term used in medicine to describe an abnormal waveform observed during the arterial or venous pulse. It is characterized by a double peak or notch that appears on a pressure curve tracing, indicating an abnormal reflection of blood flow within the arterial system.
In the context of blood flow, anacrotism refers to a disturbance in the normal pattern of waveforms produced by the expansion and contraction of blood vessels. Normally, during the cardiac cycle, blood pressure rises sharply and then gradually declines. However, anacrotism interrupts this pattern by causing a temporary increase in blood pressure followed by a dip and then a second increase.
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of anacrotism. One common cause is aortic valve stenosis or a narrowing of the aortic valve, which can lead to abnormal blood flow patterns. Other potential causes include atherosclerosis, in which fatty plaques build up within the arteries and disrupt blood flow, as well as certain medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgery.
Identifying anacrotism requires monitoring the arterial or venous pulse using special instruments like pressure sensors and waveforms analysis software. Physicians can then analyze the recorded waveforms to look for the characteristic double peak or notch. Treatment of anacrotism aims at addressing the underlying cause, such as surgery to repair or replace aortic valves or managing risk factors associated with atherosclerosis through medication and lifestyle changes.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANACROTISM
- znacrotism
- snacrotism
- wnacrotism
- qnacrotism
- abacrotism
- amacrotism
- ajacrotism
- ahacrotism
- anzcrotism
- anscrotism
- anwcrotism
- anqcrotism
- anaxrotism
- anavrotism
- anafrotism
- anadrotism
- anaceotism
- anacdotism
- anacfotism
Etymology of ANACROTISM
The word "anacrotism" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "anakrotisis" (ἀνακρότησις), which means "a beating back or a turning back". The term is used in a medical context to describe a delayed and weak pulse wave observed during the measurement of blood pressure.
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