Progress Towards a Physiological Cardiology

Abstract

The ultralow frequencies (ULF) method has solved the instrumental difficulties, and has made possible many kinds of animal experiments. The difficiencies of the shin-bar method are now clearly apparent. Noordergraaf''s theory accounts perfectly for the form and amplitude of the ballistocardiogram (BCG) in terms of movement of the body''s center of gravity. In experiments on cadavers the abnormal forms of the beg seen in the clinic have been reproduced by simulating abnormal systoles. There are important similarities between the contours of the beg and pulse derivative. Tests of cardiac function by exercise, food, smoking, and nitroglycerine have been described. In the clinic the force beg not only gives evidence of cardiac weakness, but also of cardiac incoordination, a new conception. Long term studies disclose the steady weakening of the heart as one grows older, and the increasing frequency of the incoordination of its contraction. Weakness and incoordination may or may not accompany the cardiac lesions commonly diagnosed, their presence is associated with decreased life duration. Mackenzie''s viewpoint is upheld, the state of the cardiac muscle is of great importance in clinical medicine.