On Certain Abnormal Ballistic Complexes: Their Relationships to Other Mechanical and Electrical Events of the Cardiac Cycle

Abstract

Ballistocardiograms were recorded simultaneously with intra-atrial and intra-aortic pressure curves, heart sounds, electrokymograms and electrocardiograms in patients with various types of heart disease. In several of these subjects, in addition to the usual ballistic waves, abnormal sets of ballistic complexes occurred. In some individuals, one or more of these abnormal ballistic complexes was so prominent that it dominated the entire ballistocardiogram. By correlating the abnormal ballistic waves with other dynamic and electrical events, we have secured information which throws light on the genesis of certain abnormal waves and of the so-called H wave in the ballistocardiogram.