Pulsus bigeminus: Difference between revisions
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'''Pulsus bigeminus''' is a cardiovascular phenomenon characterized by groups of two [[heartbeat]]s close together followed by a longer pause. The second pulse is weaker than the first. It is caused by premature contractions, usually of the [[Ventricle (heart)|ventricle]]s, after every other beat. | '''Pulsus bigeminus''' is a cardiovascular phenomenon characterized by groups of two [[heartbeat]]s close together followed by a longer pause. The second pulse is weaker than the first. It is caused by premature contractions, usually of the [[Ventricle (heart)|ventricle]]s, after every other beat. | ||
==Causes | ==Causes== | ||
===Life Threatening Causes=== | |||
Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Pulsus bigeminus in itself is not a life threatening condition. | |||
===Common Causes=== | |||
The most common cause of Pulsus bigeminus is [[hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy]]. Other Common causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) include: | |||
Hyperkalemia | |||
Hypothyroidism | |||
Betablocker therapy | |||
Digoxin | |||
Myocardial Infarction | |||
Destruction or degeneration of the cardiac conduction system or heart muscle cells | |||
Calcium Channel blocker | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 20:21, 18 November 2013
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Pulsus bigeminus is a cardiovascular phenomenon characterized by groups of two heartbeats close together followed by a longer pause. The second pulse is weaker than the first. It is caused by premature contractions, usually of the ventricles, after every other beat.
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Pulsus bigeminus in itself is not a life threatening condition.
Common Causes
The most common cause of Pulsus bigeminus is hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Other Common causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) include:
Hyperkalemia Hypothyroidism Betablocker therapy Digoxin Myocardial Infarction Destruction or degeneration of the cardiac conduction system or heart muscle cells Calcium Channel blocker