Rheocardiogram

Introduction A rheocardiogram is a method for studying the human cardiovascular system through electrophysiological recording of changes in the electrical resistance of heart tissue during cardiac activity. This diagnostic method differs from a conventional electrocardiogram only in that rheocartography uses a special electrode made in the form of a loop and capable of recording changes in electrical potential on the surface of the chest for a long time. Also during the study, the resistance of the chest tissue is measured and additional methods of adjunctive therapy are used.

Principles of the method A rheogram study is carried out only in case of clinical suspicions of dysfunction of the patient’s heart, blood vessels or lungs, as well as the presence of clinical symptoms of their disorders. The principle of operation of a rheocardiogram, as well as rheodoplerometry and rheovasography, is carried out by removing the potential difference from the pectoral muscles and vessels of the electrocardiogram (r=ΔU/Δt). It is thanks to this principle of recording information that it was possible to identify disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, absence of heart rhythm and obtain other important information. The calculation of indicators is carried out due to changes in the flow of impulses that pass to the measuring electrode and the contacts from the electrodes. Based on the data obtained, rheographic indicators are calculated: R complex, R-R index, tension index and other indicators that depict rheographic curves. The closer the sinusoids are to each other at the same potential phase, the lower the heart rate and the shorter its contraction period. The opposite phenomenon is observed when moving away from the sinusoidal curve. Rhythm deviations and asymmetry may indicate the presence of cardiac