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Dicrotic pulse

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • 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).

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