alternans (redirected from mechanical alternans)

alternans /al·ter·nans/ (awl-ter´nanz) [L.]

1. alternating; see pulsus alternans.

2. alternation.

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electrical alternans  alternating variations in the amplitude of specific electrocardiographic waves over successive cardiac cycles.

mechanical alternans  alternation of the heart, particularly in contrast to electrical alternans.

pul´sus alternans  see under pulsus.

total alternans  pulsus alternans in which alternating beats are so weak as to be undetected, causing apparent halving of the pulse rate.

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al·ter·nans (ôl-tûrnnz)

adj.

Alternating, as in heart contractions.

n.

Alternation in the contractions of the heart.