Definition

1. Noun:
   • A premature contraction of the heart: An extrasystole is an extra, premature heartbeat that occurs before the heart's regular rhythm. It originates from an abnormal focus in the heart's electrical system, causing a momentary irregularity in the heartbeat.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The patient's ECG showed occasional extrasystoles, which the doctor described as benign.
  • Feeling a "skipped beat" or a "flip-flop" in the chest can sometimes be caused by an extrasystole.

Advanced Usage

• "Ventricular extrasystole": A premature heartbeat originating in the ventricles (the heart's lower chambers).
  • Frequent ventricular extrasystoles required further cardiac investigation.
• "Supraventricular extrasystole": A premature heartbeat originating above the ventricles, typically in the atria.
  • Supraventricular extrasystoles are often less concerning than ventricular ones.

Variants and Related Words

• Extrasystolic (adj): Relating to or characterized by extrasystoles.
  • The extrasystolic activity was monitored over 24 hours.

Synonyms

• Premature beat: A general term for a heartbeat that occurs earlier than expected in the regular cycle.
• Premature ventricular contraction (PVC): A specific type of extrasystole originating in the ventricles.
• Ectopic beat: A heartbeat originating from an abnormal site (ectopic focus) in the heart.

Related Phrases

• "To have extrasystoles": To experience premature heartbeats.
  • Some people have extrasystoles without any awareness of them.
• "Isolated extrasystole": A single, occasional premature beat.
  • An isolated extrasystole in a healthy heart is usually not a cause for alarm.

Noun

1. a premature systole resulting in a momentary cardiac arrhythmia