How Do You Spell PULSUS ALTERNANS?

1. Pulsus alternans, also known as alternans pulse, is a medical term used to describe an abnormal pattern of pulse waves during a physical examination. This condition refers to a regular alternation in the strength of the arterial pulse whereby there is a periodic change in the amplitude or amplitude of the pulse with every other heartbeat.

   In pulsus alternans, the pulse varies in intensity from one beat to another, with one beat having a stronger or weaker pulse than the next beat. This alternating pattern may be detected by palpating the pulse at various points in the body, such as the wrist or neck.

   Pulsus alternans is typically observed in individuals with significant heart disease or left ventricular dysfunction, although it can also be a manifestation of other underlying conditions. It is often associated with compromised cardiac function, such as heart failure, severe coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction, as well as cardiomyopathies.

   The alternation in pulse strength is believed to be the result of an impaired pumping function of the heart, leading to inadequate blood flow during systole (ventricular contraction) and subsequent compensatory mechanisms during diastole (ventricular relaxation). This abnormal pulse pattern serves as an important clinical indicator to the healthcare provider, alerting them to the possibility of cardiac dysfunction in the patient. It may prompt further diagnostic evaluation, which could include imaging tests, electrocardiography, echocardiography, or coronary angiography, to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

2. A variation in size or force of the alternate pulsebeats, the rhythm being unaltered.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PULSUS ALTERNANS

The word "pulsus alternans" derives from Latin. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:

1. Pulsus: In Latin, "pulsus" is the past participle of the verb "pellere", which means "to beat" or "to push". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*pel-", meaning "to squeeze" or "to strike". In the context of medicine, "pulsus" refers to the action or rhythm of the pulse.

2. Alternans: Also from Latin, "alternans" is the present participle of the verb "alternare", which means "to alternate" or "to take turns". It is derived from the adjective "alternus", meaning "alternating" or "by turns". In the case of "pulsus alternans", it indicates the alternate or alternating nature of the pulse.