PRESPHYGMIC INTERVAL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "presphygmic interval" refers to the period of time between the appearance of a pulse and the audible sound associated with it, commonly known as the pulse sound. In medical terms, the presphygmic interval represents the time taken for the pressure wave generated by the heartbeat to travel from the heart to a specific point in the arterial system, where it can be detected by a stethoscope or other listening device.
Typically, the presphygmic interval is measured in milliseconds and can vary depending on factors such as the distance between the heart and the point of measurement and the elasticity of the arterial walls. In a healthy individual, the presphygmic interval is relatively short and consistent, indicating efficient blood flow and arterial function.
However, variations in the presphygmic interval can be indicative of certain cardiovascular conditions or abnormalities. Prolonged presphygmic intervals may suggest a reduced cardiac output or impaired arterial compliance, while a shortened presphygmic interval may indicate increased arterial stiffness or other underlying health issues.
Healthcare professionals often rely on the measurement and interpretation of the presphygmic interval as part of diagnostic and monitoring processes, allowing them to assess the function and integrity of the cardiovascular system. By observing changes in this interval over time, medical practitioners can infer useful information about a patient's heart and vascular health, aiding in the identification and management of potential issues.
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The brief period at the beginning of the ventricular systole during which the pressure is rising before the semilunar valves open.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PRESPHYGMIC INTERVAL
Etymology of PRESPHYGMIC INTERVAL
The term presphygmic interval is a medical term related to blood pressure measurement. However, presphygmic is not a commonly used word and does not have a specific etymology. It is derived from the Greek word pres, meaning before, and sphygmic, relating to the pulse or arterial pulsation. Therefore, the term can be roughly understood as before the pulse or before the arterial pulsation.
