What is "hemisystole"

Hemisystole \Hem`i*sys"to*le\, n. (Physiol.) Contraction of only one ventricle of the heart.

Note: Hemisystole is noticed in rare cases of insufficiency of the mitral valve, in which both ventricles at times contract simultaneously, as in a normal heart, this condition alternating with contraction of the right ventricle alone; hence, intermittent hemisystole.

n. (context physiology English) The contraction of the left ventricle alternating with that of the right ventricle, instead of both contracting together