How Do You Spell MEROSYSTOLIC?

1. Merosystolic is an adjective used to describe a particular type of abnormal heart sound or murmur that occurs during a specific phase of the cardiac cycle. Specifically, it refers to a heart murmur that is heard throughout the entire duration of systole, which is the period of contraction of the heart chambers when blood is pumped out into the circulation.

   During a normal cardiac cycle, there are two distinct phases of systole: isovolumic contraction and ejection. In isovolumic contraction, the heart muscle contracts while the blood volume remains constant. This is followed by ejection, where blood is forcefully expelled from the heart chambers. Typically, a heart murmur associated with the systolic phase occurs only during the ejection phase and is described as systolic, but a merosystolic murmur is present throughout both phases.

   The presence of a merosystolic murmurs suggests an underlying heart condition, such as valvular heart disease, particularly when it is characterized by a regurgitant flow of blood back through the heart valves. Merosystolic murmurs are commonly heard in conditions like mitral valve prolapse, mitral regurgitation, and ventricular septal defect.

   Therefore, the term merosystolic in the context of cardiology refers to a type of heart murmur that spans the entire duration of ventricular systole, indicating potential abnormalities in the functioning of the heart valves or structures. Diagnostic tests, such as echocardiography, are often necessary to identify the underlying cause and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

2. Partially systolic; relating to a portion of the systole of the heart.

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

Common Misspellings for MEROSYSTOLIC

The word "merosystolic" is derived from two components: "mero-" and "systolic".

The prefix "mero-" comes from the Greek word "meros", meaning "part" or "partial". It is used in medical terminology to indicate a partial or incomplete aspect of something.

The term "systolic" comes from the Greek word "sustellein", which means "to contract or squeeze together". In medical terms, "systolic" refers to the phase of the heart's cycle when it contracts and pumps blood into the arteries.

Therefore, when we combine the two components, "merosystolic" refers to a partial or incomplete contraction or squeezing together of the heart during its systolic phase. It is a term often used in cardiology to describe certain abnormal heart sounds or murmurs.