Study on the Slow Filling Period/Rapid Filling Period Ratio in the Apexcardiogram in Normal and Ischemic Heart Disease

ABSTRACT

Apexcardiograms were evaluated in 24 normal adults (14 males and 10 females) aged 23 to 56 (mean 39) years and 42 patients with ischemic heart disease (29 males and 13 females) aged 40 to 81 (mean 57) years. The ratio of the duration of slow and rapid filling periods (SFP/RFP) and the height of the a wave in realtion to the total apexcardiographic deflection (a/H) were measured in each case and the results obtained from the IHD group were compared with data from the control group. The results obtained were as follows. 1. The was significant difference (p<0.001) between mean SFP/RFP ratio in control group (2.1+/-0.6) and in IHD group (3.4+/-1.5). Setting the upper SEP/RFP ratio at 2.7(mean+1 S.D.), 57.15 of IHD group and 20.8% of control group were above, and at 3.3(mean+2 S.D.), 40.5% of IHD group and none of control group were above this value. 2. There was no difference between the mean a/H ratio in control group (0.08+/-0.07) and in IHD group (0.09+/-0.11). The a/H ratio exceeding 0.15 (15%) was noted in 11.9% of IHD group. 3. The significance of SFP/RFP ratio in the apexcardiogram in the diagnosis of IHD was discussed. The SFP/RFP ratio is a more useful noninvasive adjunctive measurement for detecting IHD than a/H ratio.