SPHYGMODYNAMOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A sphygmodynamometer is a specialized medical instrument used to measure and evaluate various aspects of arterial and circulatory functioning. Derived from the Greek words "sphygmos" (meaning pulse), "dynamis" (meaning force or power), and "metron" (meaning measure), this device enables healthcare professionals to assess a patient's blood pressure and evaluate the dynamics of blood flow within the arteries.
The primary function of a sphygmodynamometer is to measure blood pressure by utilizing a combination of an aneroid or mercury manometer and an inflatable cuff. The cuff is wrapped around the patient's upper arm, and air is pumped into it to temporarily occlude the brachial artery. The air pressure is then slowly released, enabling the healthcare provider to measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. This information is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as hypertension, hypotension, and cardiovascular diseases.
In addition to measuring blood pressure, a sphygmodynamometer can also assess other key parameters of arterial function, including pulse rate, pulse wave velocity, and arterial stiffness. By analyzing these parameters, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the overall health and functioning of the patient's cardiovascular system. This information helps in making accurate diagnoses, designing individualized treatment plans, and monitoring the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving arterial health and managing cardiovascular conditions.
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An instrument for measuring the force of the pulse beat.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPHYGMODYNAMOMETER
- aphygmodynamometer
- zphygmodynamometer
- xphygmodynamometer
- dphygmodynamometer
- ephygmodynamometer
- wphygmodynamometer
- sohygmodynamometer
- slhygmodynamometer
- s-hygmodynamometer
- s0hygmodynamometer
- spgygmodynamometer
- spbygmodynamometer
- spnygmodynamometer
- spjygmodynamometer
- spuygmodynamometer
- spyygmodynamometer
- sphtgmodynamometer
- sphggmodynamometer
- sphhgmodynamometer
- sphugmodynamometer
Etymology of SPHYGMODYNAMOMETER
The word "sphygmodynamometer" is derived from several Greek roots.
1. "Sphygmo-" comes from the Greek word "sphygmos", which means pulse or beating. It refers to the measurement of the pulse.
2. "-Dynamo-" comes from the Greek word "dynamis", which means power or force. In this context, it refers to the power or force exerted to measure the pulse.
3. "-Meter" comes from the Greek word "metron", which means measure. It indicates that the device measures the pulse.
So, combining these root words, "sphygmodynamometer" roughly means a device used to measure the power or force of the pulse.
