Ballistocardiography

Abstract

In this study, the normal ballistocardiogram is interrelated with various cardiac events in order to establish the origin of its component waves. It is apparent that the ballistic F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M and N waves bear a definite relationship to known cardiac events, although in some cases the temporal positioning of the complexes is shifted by uncontrollable forms of distortion. When calculated correction factors are introduced, the ballistic waves tend to assume their correct temporal relationship. A composite pictorial sketch is presented which shows the temporal relationships of the phonocardiogram, the apex cardiogram, two commonly observed forms of the normal ballistocardiogram, the electrocardiogram, and the carotid pulse.