The Ultra Low Frequency Force Ballistocardiograph in Acute Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

In this study, ultra low frequency force ballistocardiograms were recorded throughout the course of various types of acute cardiomyopathy. Conditions studied included rheumatic carditis, lupus myocarditis, sarcoid carditis, viral myocarditis, acute glomerulonephritis, idiopathic myocarditis, and familial fibrous disease of the myocardium. The instrument used was characterized by an unusually light platform and a very high performance accelerometer. In 14 of the 15 cases studied, tracings were abnormal initially; the recorded force pattern subsequently manifested progressive change which appeared to parallel the clinical course of the disease. Changes included appearance of abnormal forces in early ventricular systole, progressive change in amplitude of acceleration and deceleration forces, appearance of abnormal high frequency components in various portions of the complex, and appearance of abnormal footward forces in late systole. The alterations thus recorded appear to offer a useful means of diagnosing and following the course of such disease entities. In some cases, this type of recording appears to provide information not available through any other conventional means.