SYSTOLE ALTERNANS Meaning and
Definition
-
Systole alternans is a medical term used to describe a cardiovascular condition characterized by alternating variations in the intensity or force of the heartbeat during the contraction phase, or systole, of the heart. It involves a rhythmic pattern where one heartbeat is stronger or more forceful compared to the next, creating a regular and recurring cycle of changes in heart contraction strength.
This condition occurs due to an abnormality in the electrical conduction system of the heart, specifically in the regulation of cardiac muscle contraction. The alternation in systole strength is typically observed in the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Systole alternans often occurs in conjunction with heart-related diseases such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias.
The alternating pattern of systole alternans can be problematic as it affects the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. This inconsistency in heart contractions leads to variations in the volume of blood being pumped with each heartbeat, potentially causing inadequate blood flow to organs and tissues. The condition can result in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and fluid retention.
Systole alternans is typically diagnosed using electrocardiography (ECG) to detect the variations in heart contraction force within each cardiac cycle. Treatment for systole alternans focuses on managing the underlying heart conditions, improving cardiac function, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This may involve medications to regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, and fluid balance, as well as lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise. In severe cases, interventions such as pacemaker placement or cardiac resynchronization therapy may be considered to restore normal heart function and improve symptoms.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SYSTOLE ALTERNANS
Etymology of SYSTOLE ALTERNANS
The word "systole" comes from the Ancient Greek "sustolē", which means "contraction". It refers to the phase of the heartbeat when the chambers of the heart contract to pump blood.
"Alternans" also comes from the Ancient Greek "alternans", with the same meaning in modern English. It means "alternating" or "changing".
Therefore, "systole alternans" refers to a condition in which the strong contractions of the heart alternate with weak or ineffective contractions. This condition is characterized by an alternating pattern in the strength of the heart's contractions during each heartbeat.
