pulsus 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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pulsus /pul·sus/ (-sus) pl. pul´sus   [L.] pulse.

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pulsus alter´nans  alternating pulse.

pulsus bisfe´riens  a pulse characterized by two strong systolic peaks separated by a midsystolic dip, most commonly occurring in pure aortic regurgitation and in aortic regurgitation with stenosis.

pulsus dif´ferens  inequality of the pulse observable at corresponding sites on the two sides of the body.

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pulsus alternans

n.

See alternating pulse.

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pulsus alternans

[pul′səs ôl′tərnanz]

Etymology: L, pulsare + alternare, to alternate

a pulse characterized by a regular alternation of weak and strong beats without changes in the pulse rate. Also called alternans, alternating pulse.

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pulsus

[L.] pulse.

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pulsus alternans

see alternating pulse.

pulsus bigeminus

bigeminal pulse.

pulsus bisferiens

a pulse characterized by two strong systolic peaks separated by a midsystolic dip, most commonly occurring in pure aortic regurgitation and in aortic regurgitation with stenosis.

pulsus celer

a swift, abrupt pulse.

pulsus differens

inequality of the pulse obervable at corresponding sites on either side of the body.

pulsus paradoxus

an abnormal inspiratory decrease in arterial blood pressure, seen in cardiac tamponade and caused by a decreased pulmonary venous return.

pulsus parvus et tardus

a small hard pulse that rises and falls slowly.

pulsus tardus

an abnormally slow pulse.

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pulsus alternans

Cardiology A pulse occurring at regular intervals which there is rhythmic attenuation of the pulse pressure heights–eg, every other beat; sustained PA is associated with severely depressed left
ventricular function, accompanied by an altered blood flow in the aorta, left ventricular and systolic pressures, and often a 3^rd ventricular sound Prognosis Poor