Pronunciation: [kˌatɐkɹˈɒtɪk] (IPA) 
Catacrotic is a rare medical term that refers to the second wave of a pulse. It is pronounced /kætəˈkrɒtɪk/ and spelled with a "c" followed by a double "t" and an "a". The "a" after the "t" creates an unstressed syllable, indicated by the schwa symbol "ə". The "o" after the "c" is pronounced with an "ah" sound. The final syllable ends with the "ik" sound and is spelled with a "c" followed by a "t" and an "ic".
Catacrotic is an adjective that pertains to or describes a specific characteristic or pattern observed in a pulse or arterial waveform. It refers to the presence of an additional notch or inflection point that occurs during the downward slope of the pulse tracing or arterial blood pressure waveform.
When analyzing a pulse waveform, such as through the use of a pulse oximeter or arterial line monitoring system, the catacrotic notch can be identified as a small upward deflection in the graph. This notch typically appears shortly after the main peak of the waveform and is followed by a downward slope.
The catacrotic notch is believed to be caused by a partial closure or obstruction in the aortic or peripheral arteries, which results in a momentary disruption or alteration in the normal blood flow pattern. This discontinuity in blood flow can be caused by various factors, such as arterial disease, atherosclerosis, or a change in vascular resistance.
The observation of a catacrotic notch can provide valuable information regarding the condition of the cardiovascular system. It may aid in the diagnosis or assessment of specific vascular abnormalities, such as arterial stiffness, peripheral vascular disease, or heart valve dysfunction. Furthermore, analyzing the catacrotic waveform along with other pulse characteristics can contribute to the overall evaluation of a patient's cardiovascular health.
Noting a pulse-tracing in which the down stroke is interrupted by one or more upward notches.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "catacrotic" is derived from the Greek word "katakrotikos", which is a combination of "kata" meaning "down", and "krotein" meaning "to beat" or "to strike". The Greek word "krotos" means "beating" or "striking", and it refers to the action of a pulse or heartbeat. In the study of physiology, "catacrotic" is used to describe a downward displacement or notch on the descending limb of an arterial pulse waveform.
