How Do You Spell PRESYSTOLIC THRILL?

1. A presystolic thrill is a term used in the field of cardiology to describe a specific abnormal sensation detected during a medical examination of the heart. Typically, the heart generates rhythmic contractions to pump blood throughout the body, with specific phases known as systole and diastole. During systole, the heart contracts to expel blood, while during diastole, the heart relaxes to allow blood to fill its chambers.

   A "thrill" in this context refers to a vibration or pulsation felt on physical touch, while "presystolic" pertains to occurring just before systole. Therefore, a presystolic thrill is a palpable sensation felt by a healthcare provider during a heart examination, specifically in the moments leading up to systole.

   The presence of a presystolic thrill may indicate an underlying heart abnormality such as a valvular disorder or specific heart rhythm disturbances. Examples of valvular disorders that can cause a presystolic thrill include severe aortic stenosis or mitral stenosis. Additionally, certain arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation, can also produce a presystolic thrill.

   Detecting a presystolic thrill can assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing heart conditions. The sensation is typically felt over certain areas of the chest where the turbulent blood flow associated with the valve or rhythm abnormality is most prominent. Further diagnostic measures, such as echocardiography or other cardiac imaging, may be conducted to confirm the presence and underlying cause. Treatment plans are then formulated based on the specific condition identified.

2. A thrill sometimes felt, on palpation over the apex of the heart, immediately preceding the ventricular contraction.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PRESYSTOLIC THRILL

The word "presystolic" comes from the combination of the prefix "pre-", which means before, and the adjective "systolic", which relates to the contraction phase of the heartbeat. Therefore, "presystolic" refers to something occurring before the contraction phase of the heartbeat.

The word "thrill" comes from the Middle English "thirlen", meaning to pierce or penetrate. It later evolved to refer to a tremorous sensation or excitement. In medical terminology, "thrill" refers to a vibrating or buzzing sensation that can be felt or heard upon examination of the body, often caused by turbulent blood flow.

Therefore, "presystolic thrill" refers to a vibrating or buzzing sensation felt or heard before the contraction phase of the heartbeat.