vulnerable period

Synonyms:
  • vulnerable phases
German: vulnerable Phase

Cardiology. A comparatively small part of the cardiac cycle during which the heart fibers are in an inhomogeneous state of excitability. The vulnerable period corresponds to the first part of the T-wave in the electrocardiogram. When a stimulus such as an electric current of sufficient magnitude occurs in the vulnerable phase of the heart cycle it may induce ventricular fibrillation.

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