dicrotic pulse
Last reviewed 01/2018
- type of pulse characterized by a percussion wave in systole and a prominent
dicrotic wave in diastole
- dicrotic wave is the result of reflected waves from the lower extremities and aorta
Causes:
- conditions associated with low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance can produce a dicrotic pulse
- a dicrotic pulse may also be caused by conditions associated with low systemic vascular resistance and a compliant aorta (e.g. sepsis) can also produce a dicrotic pulse
The 2 peaks in a dicrotic pulse occur in systole and diastole (as opposed to both occurring in systole with an anacrotic or bisferiens pulse).