Pycnosphygmia is a medical term used to describe an abnormally dense or thick pulse. The word is spelled with a combination of consonants and vowels, comprising of the initial syllable pyk- (pronounced as [pɪk]), followed by the nasal n sound ([n]), a voiceless consonant k ([k]), the diphthong -os- ([ɑ], [s]), and finally the syllable -phygmia ([fɪɡmiə]). The word's spelling and pronunciation are challenging for many because of the various sounds that it encompasses, but it is essential in the field of medicine.
Pycnosphygmia is a term employed in medicine to describe a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the density or thickness of the arterial walls, coupled with an elevated blood pressure. The word is derived from the Greek roots "pycnos," meaning dense or thick, and "sphygmia," which pertains to the pulse or pulsation.
In cases of pycnosphygmia, the arterial walls become thickened, resulting in a reduction of the overall lumen size and increased resistance to blood flow. This condition commonly arises as a consequence of prolonged and untreated hypertension or high blood pressure. The excessive pressure exerted by the blood against the arterial walls over time causes the walls to thicken and lose their elasticity. As a result, the arteries become stiff and rigid, leading to a reduction in the compliance and distensibility of the vascular system.
Pycnosphygmia is associated with several adverse health outcomes. It can lead to an increased workload on the heart, as it must pump blood against the elevated resistance caused by the narrowed arteries. This can predispose individuals to cardiac complications, including left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, and potentially increase the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. Other possible consequences may include impaired renal function, retinal damage, and peripheral vascular disease.
In summary, pycnosphygmia refers to the pathological thickening of arterial walls in conjunction with elevated blood pressure, and is frequently associated with hypertension-related complications that affect multiple organ systems.
Rapidity of the pulse, tachycardia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pycnosphygmia" is a combination of two Greek roots: "pycnos" meaning "dense" or "thick" and "sphygmia" meaning "pulse". Pycnosphygmia is a medical term used to describe a thickening or densification of the arterial wall resulting in an abnormally strong, forceful pulse.