The Analysis and Interpretation of the Vibrations of the Heart, as a Diagnostic Tool and Physiological Monitor

This work has been concerned with the development of a presymptomatic diagnostic tool and with the determination of cardiac function by analysis and interpretation of the vibrations of the heart. The data processing associated with the study includes the use of time-frequency analysis and display equipment, power area measurement circuitry, and also automatic digital interval measurements. With this technique, a single channel of data can provide information concerning the heart rate, relative cardiac output, blood-pressure changes, breathing rate, and the effect of changed blood oxygen saturation. The value and application of this technique to bio-astronautical instrumentation can be great.