[A rheographic method of determining the duration of the diastolic phases]

Difference thoracic rheography (recording the curve of a signal by subtracting a differential rheogram of the symmetrical portions of chest halves) was used to develop a procedure to define diastole phases, which established periods of relaxation, rapid and slow left ventricular filling, the duration of a systole of the left and right atria, and the time of rapid left ventricular filling velocity peak. The testing of the procedure in 25 healthy males showed that difference thoracic rheogram may be recorded both at rest and movements of a patient during a graded isometric leg loading, which is particularly important to make a comprehensive assessment of the diastolic function of the heart.