Kinetocardiogram, phonocardiogram, and arterial pulse waves during acute hemodynamic changes.

T HERE is currently a need for simple, atraumatic methods of assessing cardiovascular status. The kinetocardiogram (KCG) and external recordings of arterial pulse waves represent possible approaches which have not yet been adequately explored. Both techniques have been applied in various cardiovascular disorders, but little information has been obtained on the effects of acute alterations in hemodynamics. Since it is possible to force the circulation in known directions by the administration of vasoactive drugs with specific hemodynamic actions, it seemed worthwhile to assess the effects of such acute changes on the KCG, carotid pulse contour, and the speed of transmission of the central arterial pulse wave. Such observations on the effects of known changes in hemodynamics should help clarify the interpretation of KCG and arterial pulse-wave tracings.