Ballistocardiographic Evaluation of the Cardiovascular Aging Process

Abstract

A clinically adaptable, ultra-low frequency acceleration ballistocardiograph that met all theoretic considerations of biophysical design was used to evaluate the cardiovascular aging process in 307 overtly healthy men aged 18 to 54. A new practical method for quantitative ballistocardiographic analysis is described, and the changing ballistocardiographic pattern with advancing age is elucidated. Criteria for ballistocardiographic abnormality are established in terms of accelerated cardiovascular aging, and the degree of abnormality is graded (I-III). The initial appearance of accelerated cardiovascular aging (grade-I abnormality) was present on the ballistocardiogram in 16 per cent of the population by age 35. A more severe degree of aging (grade II) was evident in 16.5 per cent of the individuals by age 50. There was a rather constant attack rate for the initial development of an abnormal ballistocardiogram (grade I) during the 20 to 39 age period, and an accelerated attack rate after age 40. The rate of conversion to a more severe grade of ballistocardiographic abnormality increased significantly in the fifth decade. The relationship between an abnormal ballistocardiogram, accelerated cardiovascular aging and coronary artery disease is discussed.