Cardiogoniometry

Abstract

Cardiogoniometry is a new method to test heart function. It consists of a simple computerized vectorcardiography with a system of leads derived for the construction of three orthogonal projections. With the aid of these three-dimensional projections the cardiogoniometer, a microprocessor system, measures and computes the maximal vectors of depolarization (QRS) and repolarization (T). It also fixes the orientation of these two spatial vectors by projection on two planes (frontal and oblique sagittal) and determines the solid angle phi between them. Every third heart beat these five parameters and the preceding beat interval are printed out. In this way, a series of measurements is obtained in which only little disturbances of the signals of cardiac de- and repolarization occur. In patients with latent coronary insufficiency an abnormal position of the T vector can be detected long before the standard ECG shows a pathological pattern. Cardiogoniometry can be performed in the consulting room or at the bedside. It is noninvasive, painless, and free of risk. The value and limits of this new method are to be tested in comparison with the ECG and invasive methods in cardiology laboratories.