Relationship between quantitated precordial movement and left ventricular function.

The relationship between external records of precordial movement and ventricular function has been studied in 61 patients with various cardiac disorders by comparing the records of the apical impulse to the left ventricular volume. A significant correlation between external recordings and the volume data was found in patients with normal or increased ventricular volumes: Patients with a normal record in systole usually had normal end-diastolic and left ventricular stroke volumes; those with a hyperdynamic record in systole usually had an appropriate increase in stroke volume for increased end-diastolic volume; and those with sustained records usually had an increased end-diastolic volume without an appropriate increase in stroke volume, indicating poor myocardial function. Patients with a pressure-loaded left ventricle usually had a sustained record, but this appeared to be related to factors other than volume. These studies demonstrate that records of the apical impulse may provide useful information about left ventricular function.