Pulsus bigeminus

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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 (see Premature atrial contraction or ventricular), usually of the ventricles, after every other beat, so called extrasystoles. It can be a sign of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy or of many other types of heart disease. It can also be an innocent and passing phenomenon. Digitalis toxicity can cause this type of phenomenon.

See also