Correlation of Simultaneously Recorded Electrokymograms and Pressure Pulses of Human Heart and Great Vessels

Abstract

During the past 18 months more than 100 normal and abnormal subjects have been studied with this instrument in our laboratory, utilizing the recorded heart sounds, the carotid sphygmogram or the electrocardiogram as the primary points of time reference. We have been impressed with the inconstancy in the timing of the electrokymographic events obtained in ventricular tracings when studied with any of the above methods. The objections to each of these timing devices are well known. Thus, the factors of variability in the carotid sphygmogram which may be consequent upon variation of the rate of blood flow, elasticity and distensibility of the vessel have been discussed.' The validity of a comparison of the mechanical events in the cardiac cycle with the electrocardiogram has been called into question.7 The heart sounds represent a fusion of noises arising from both ventricles and are

Rheography

“…This phenomenon may be attributed to increased pressure on vein walls as a result of increased circulation rate. The results of the electrokymographic investigations of Salans et al (1950) are in agreement with the results of our investigations. In conformity with their arrangement we call the first wave the arterial or systolic wave, the second rheographic wave the venous or diastolic wave.…”

A Study of the Central and Peripheral Arterial Pressure Pulse in Man

“…With careful arterial suturing and adequate sterile precautions little difficulty in preserving the radial pulse is encountered. 4. The contour of the aortic pressure pulse in normal man and in patients with hypertension, aortic regurgitation and coarctation of the aorta resemble closely comparable tracings reported in the dog.…”

“…in length was then made in the artery between the taut ligatures and a No. [4][5][6] French catheter was inserted into this open-ing. Hemostasis was completely maintained by means of the ligatures on the artery.…”

“…Unfortunately information about the ejection of the right side of the heart during the "dropped" mechanical beat of the left side is not available. 4 ceding diastole. This last seems to hold true for the human heart also, at least on occasion (see fig.…”