hypopnea /hīpop″nē·ə, hī′pōnē″ə/ [Gk, hypo + pnoe, breath] , abnormally shallow and slow respiration. In well-conditioned athletes it may be appropriate and is often accompanied by a slow pulse. Otherwise, it is apparent when pleuritic pain limits excursion and is characteristic of damage to the brainstem. Accompanied by a rapid, weak pulse, it is a grave sign. See also respiration rate.
