Catadicrotism is a rare medical term used to describe an abnormality in the shape of an arterial pulse wave. The spelling of this complex word can be confusing to some. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /kætædɪkrɒtɪzəm/, which can help clarify its pronunciation. The first syllable "cat" is pronounced as "kat," followed by "ad-ih-krot-ih-zum." This term is not commonly used, but the use of the IPA phonetic transcription can aid in its proper pronunciation.
Catadicrotism is a physiological term used to describe a particular type of abnormality or characteristic in the wave form of the arterial pulse. It refers to the occurrence of a secondary downward deflection or notch within the downstroke of the pulse curve.
Typically, in a normal arterial pulse waveform, there is an initial upward deflection (known as the anacrotic limb) followed by a downward deflection (catacrotic limb), which then rises again (referred to as the return to baseline). The phenomenon of catadicrotism disrupts this usual pattern by introducing a secondary downward deflection after the initial upstroke. This disturbance can be observed on a pulse tracing or can be detected by using specialized equipment such as a sphygmomanometer or an arterial pressure transducer.
Catadicrotism is believed to be caused by abnormal or disturbed arterial compliance, which refers to the ability of the blood vessels to expand and contract in response to changes in blood flow and pressure. Conditions and factors that may contribute to catadicrotism include aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure), and various other cardiovascular diseases.
Diagnosing catadicrotism is crucial for medical professionals as it can provide valuable insights into the underlying health conditions and can aid in formulating an appropriate treatment plan. Overall, catadicrotism signifies an abnormal pulse pattern characterized by the presence of a secondary downward deflection on the pulse curve, indicating a disturbance in arterial compliance.
A condition of the pulse marked by two minor expansions of the artery following the main beat.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "catadicrotism" is derived from the Greek words "kata" (κατά) meaning "down" or "against" and "diakritos" (διακριτός) meaning "distinct" or "separate". In Greek, "katadiakrita" (καταδιακριτά) refers to a distinction or differentiation made against something. The suffix "-ism" is added to indicate that "catadicrotism" is a noun referring to a specific concept or ideology.