Die Dynamik des insuffizienten linken Herzens

Clinical Value of the Polygraphic Tracing in the Study of the Sequence of Events During Cardiac Contraction

“…4). After therapeutic administration of cardiotonics the sequence of events of cardiac contraction is regularly normalized (but, of course, not in cases where the failure is due to a mechanical lesion of the myocardium or in gross metabolic changes) (14,15,17,21). Polygraphic tracing may be helpful in the clinical follow-up of the effects of cardiotonics in the treatment of these patients (Fig.…”

“…A common sign of left ventricular failure in a polygraphic tracing consists in a prolongation of the isometric contraction, in particular of the isometric phase proper, in the shortening of the isotonic part of the contraction and reduction of the mechanical quotient. These changes are interpreted as an expression of a per turbation of the contractility of the heart muscle associated with a slowing down of the rise of the intraventricular pressure and with an earlier relaxation of the heart muscle tonus towards the end of the systole (see paragraph 2 C) (14,17,27). This character istic of changes was encountered in particular in complicated hypertensive disease, in ischaemic heart diesase, in exudative peri carditis, etc.…”