BISFERIENS Meaning and
Definition
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Bisferiens is a medical term that refers to a specific type of arterial pulse waveform. Derived from the Latin words "bis" meaning twice, and "feriens" meaning striking, it describes a pulse that exhibits two distinct systolic peaks during each cardiac cycle.
This phenomenon is primarily observed in certain conditions affecting the aortic valve, such as aortic regurgitation or combined aortic stenosis and regurgitation. In these cases, the valve does not function properly, resulting in abnormal blood flow within the aorta.
The bisferiens pulse waveform can be identified by palpation or using specialized techniques like arterial waveform analysis. It presents as a double-peaked pulse, with two distinct elevations or "beats" felt during each heartbeat. The first peak is attributed to the ejection of blood into the aorta during systole, while the second peak is a result of regurgitation or backward flow of blood into the left ventricle during diastole.
A bisferiens pulse is considered a characteristic finding in certain cardiac disorders and can aid in the diagnosis and assessment of valve dysfunction. However, it is important to note that it is not exclusive to these conditions and can occasionally be encountered in healthy individuals with no significant cardiac abnormalities.
Recognizing and interpreting the presence of a bisferiens pulse can provide valuable clinical insights and guide further investigations or treatment decisions in patients with underlying cardiac pathologies.
Etymology of BISFERIENS
The word "Bisferiens" is a Latin term derived from two Latin words: "bis" meaning "twice" and "feriens" meaning "striking" or "hitting". So, "Bisferiens" essentially means "striking twice" or "hitting twice". The term is commonly used in medicine to describe a double or dual pulse, typically felt in the arteries of the upper extremities.
Similar spelling word for BISFERIENS
