[Systolic time intervals in the evaluation of changes in circulation]

The current literature on the clinical application of measurement of systolic time intervals is reviewed. The values in question are defined and discussed and their position in clinical medicine is critically evaluated. It emerges the PEP/LVET (defined in text) is the best indicator for clinical evaluation of circulatory changes during the course of heart disease. The heart diseases in which this method cannot be employed are discussed. The fact that this non-invasive method can provide information on important functional changes in the circulation accounts for the interest in the method shown in intensive care units.