[Comparison of methods for the relative quantification of the hump in cardiokymographic tracings]

Exercise stress testing in a sitting position was carried out preoperatively and three months post aortocoronary bypass surgery in 125 men. Before exercise, immediately after exercise and after 5 minutes of recovery cardiokymography (CKG) was performed in a lying position. So called "bulges" in the CGK-tracings, defined as Type I, II or III registration by non quantitative judgement so far, were set out quantitatively by evaluation of area (Flächen-method) or distance (Distanzmethod) of the bulge. We found a significant increase (p less than 0.001) of bulges according to both methods after exercise but no difference between rest and after recovery concerning the area method. The distance method showed higher values (p less than 0.05) after recovery than at rest. All mean values postoperatively were not significantly lower than the corresponding values preoperatively. Our results show, that CKG-tracings can be quantitatively assessed both by the area or by the distance method. The latter is easier to apply and has comparable results to the area method.