The word holosystolic is spelled phonetically as /ˌholoʊsɪsˈtɒlɪk/. The first syllable "holo" is pronounced with a long "o" sound followed by a "l" and a short "o" sound. The next syllable "sys" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "s" and a long "e" sound. The third syllable "tolic" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, followed by a "l" and a short "i" sound. This term is used to describe a heart murmur that occurs throughout the entire heartbeat.
Holosystolic refers to a medical term that is used to describe a condition or characteristic that is present throughout the entire duration of systole, which is the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle. The term holosystolic is primarily applied in the field of cardiology to describe abnormal heart sounds or murmurs heard during auscultation.
During a normal cardiac cycle, specific heart sounds occur due to the opening and closing of the heart valves. However, in the case of a holosystolic murmur, there is a continuous sound or noise that is heard without any pause or interruption during the systolic phase. This is often an indication of a heart valve problem, such as regurgitation or a ventricular septal defect.
Holosystolic murmurs can be characterized by their duration, intensity, location, and radiation. They may vary in intensity and pitch depending on the specific underlying cardiac condition. The sounds are typically heard best at specific auscultation points on the chest, and their radiation helps identify the affected valve or area.
Diagnosing and treating holosystolic murmurs requires further evaluation, including echocardiography, which uses ultrasound to visualize the structure and function of the heart. This diagnostic tool helps determine the underlying cause and severity of the condition, guiding appropriate treatment options, such as medication, surgery, or other interventions.
In summary, holosystolic refers to a continuous heart sound or murmur that persists throughout the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle, indicating a potential abnormality in the heart valves.
Relating to the entire systole.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "holosystolic" is derived from two separate components: "holo-" and "systolic".
1. "Holo-" is a prefix taken from the Greek word "holos", meaning "whole" or "entire". It is commonly used in English to convey the idea of "all" or "complete".
2. "Systolic" refers to the systole phase of the cardiac cycle, which is the contraction of the heart muscles when it pumps blood out. Systole is derived from the Greek word "sustolē", meaning "contraction".
Therefore, "holosystolic" refers to a condition or characteristic that is present throughout the entire systole phase of the cardiac cycle, typically used to describe a particular type of heart murmur or abnormality.