Dyssynchrony
Pronunciation: dis-SIN-kron-ee
Abnormal timing of cardiac contraction, either between chambers or within ventricular walls, commonly addressed with pacing therapy in elderly patients.
Full Definition
Dyssynchrony refers to the loss of coordinated contraction timing in the heart, which can occur between the atria and ventricles (atrioventricular dyssynchrony), between the right and left ventricles (interventricular dyssynchrony), or within the left ventricular walls (intraventricular dyssynchrony). In geriatric cardiology, dyssynchrony often results from conduction system disease, previous myocardial infarction, or cardiomyopathy. It contributes to reduced cardiac efficiency and heart failure symptoms. Assessment involves echocardiographic measurements and sometimes nuclear imaging. Treatment with cardiac resynchronization therapy can be particularly beneficial in appropriately selected elderly patients with symptomatic heart failure and evidence of mechanical dyssynchrony.
Usage
Usage note: Note the double 's' in dyssynchrony; often specified by type (atrioventricular, interventricular, intraventricular).
In Context
- "Echocardiographic assessment revealed significant left ventricular dyssynchrony amenable to resynchronization therapy." — Device clinic evaluation
- "The patient's symptoms improved dramatically following correction of mechanical dyssynchrony with biventricular pacing." — Follow-up assessment