Pulsus oppressus is a Latin medical term meaning "oppressed pulse". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈpʊlsəs əˈprɛsəs/. The first syllable, "pul-", is pronounced like the English word "pull". The second syllable "-sus" is pronounced like "suss". The third and fourth syllables, "op-pressus", are pronounced as written, with the ‘o’ pronounced as in "pot" and the ‘e’ as in "met". The word is commonly used to describe a condition where the pulse becomes weak or irregular due to an obstruction in the arteries or heart.
Pulsus oppressus is a Latin medical term used to describe a specific abnormality in the pulse. Derived from the Latin words "pulsus" meaning pulse, and "oppressus" meaning oppressed or suppressed, it refers to a weakened or diminished pulse that is difficult to detect or feels insufficiently strong.
The condition is typically associated with cardiovascular or circulatory disorders, often indicative of impending heart failure, shock, or other serious medical conditions. Pulsus oppressus is characterized by a slow, feeble, and irregular pulse rhythm, usually having a reduced amplitude or force. The pulse may become faint, indistinct, or barely palpable, requiring a skilled healthcare practitioner to accurately detect it.
While pulsus oppressus is observed in various health conditions, it is most commonly found in individuals experiencing severe arterial blockages, weakened heart muscle, or low blood pressure. It can also occur in instances of internal bleeding or when there is impaired blood flow due to blood clots or constriction of blood vessels. The condition may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain, depending on the underlying cause.
Addressing the root cause of pulsus oppressus is crucial, as it often signifies a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. Physicians and healthcare providers may use additional diagnostic tests, such as echocardiography, electrocardiography, or blood tests, to identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
A pulse which seems to be pushed against the walls of a contracted artery.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "pulsus oppressus" is derived from Latin.
- "Pulsus" comes from the Latin verb "pulsare", which means "to strike or beat". In the context of medicine, it refers to the pulse or beating of the heart.
- "Oppressus" comes from the Latin verb "opprimere", which means "to press down or suppress".
Therefore, "pulsus oppressus" can be translated as "oppressed pulse" or "suppressed pulse". In medical terminology, it is used to describe a weak or diminished pulse.