[Automated analysis of cardiac biomechanics based on apex cardiography]

An automatic technique of apexcardiogram reading devised by the authors is based on calculation of the first and second apexcardiogram derivatives from which one can automatically identify phases of cardiac cycle and estimate velocity, acceleration, power and performance for each phase. Altogether 39 coronary patients with stable angina of effort functional class II with no signs of circulatory insufficiency were examined. Their age averaged 46 + 1 years, 7 had a history of myocardial infarction. 118 healthy subjects (mean age 32 + 2) served control. Central hemodynamics and exercise tolerance were studied in all the examinees. No significant differences in these parameters for patients and controls were reported. Absolute and relative parameters of velocity, acceleration, power in phases of maximal and reduced ejection, intraventricular pressure, diastolic filling declined substantially in coronary patients.