Controversy over the dicrotic notch and wave in the blood pressure record

Author

Geddes, L.A. ; Roeder, R.

Volume

21

Issue

5

fYear

2002

Firstpage

167

Lastpage

169

Abstract

The term "dicrotic" means double beat. The dicrotic notch and the ensuing wave seen in the arterial pressure record is the pressure transient produced when the aortic valve closes at the end of left-ventricular ejection. It is also present in the pulmonary artery pressure record and signals closure of the pulmonic valve; yet its existence was doubted for many years. In the late 1800s, physiologists and clinicians argued for years over its existence; this is the story of that controversy.

Keywords

blood pressure measurement; cardiovascular system; history; lung; aortic valve closure; arterial pressure record; blood pressure record; clinicians; dicrotic notch; double beat; left-ventricular ejection end; medical controversy; physiologists; pressure transient; pulmonary artery pressure record; pulmonic valve closure; Arteries; Blood pressure; Diseases; Glass; Graphics; Horses; Pressure measurement; Pulse measurements; Rubber; Valves; Aorta; Blood Pressure Determination; Blood Pressure Monitors; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, Ancient; Humans; Pulmonary Artery;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0739-5175

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MEMB.2002.1044191

Filename

1044191