[Polycardiography in the diagnosis of latent cardiac insufficiency]

A group of heart patients and another group of healthy subjects have been studied and their systolic intervals (PEP-LVET - PEP/LVET ratio and the telediastolic index) evaluated using the mechanocardiographic system. In both long-standing and recent heart patients, the parameters studied showed significant deviations from the norm. These were even more marked after exercise on the ergonometer bicycle. Acute doses of digitalis reduced deviations from the norm observed under basal conditions and after exercise. Polycardiography, it is concluded, assists in the gathering of extremely valuable information about cardiac performance in relation to latent cardiac insufficiency. Especially useful information can be deduced from PEP indications and from the PEP/LVET ratio. The use of digitalis is suggested for physically active post-infarction subjects in order to give greater tolerance of physical exercise. The concept of long-term polygraphic studies as part of out-patient follow-ups on such patients is outlined.