METHOD FOR CREATING AND ANALYZING GRAPHS OF CARDIAC FUNCTION IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND SINUS ARRHYTHMIA BASED ON THORACIC IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS

摘要

The present invention provides a method for creating and pathophysiologically analyzing graphs of cardiac function in atrial fibrillation and sinus arrhythmia by using thoracic impedance measurements. A two-dimensional scatter plot is created by applying (dZ/dt)min values corresponding to preceding RR interval (RR1) values and an approximate curve (i.e., cardiac function curve) is fitted to dots on the plot. The distribution pattern of the dots and the slope of the approximate curve allow for readily and visually evaluating cardiac function. Furthermore, a graph of the relationship between (dZ/dt)min values and RR1/pre-preceding RR interval (RR2) ratio values makes it possible to analyze pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac function in more detail. This novel method of the present invention can be easily and repeatedly performed in atrial fibrillation and sinus arrhythmia with less of a physical burden on the patient, thereby being able to provide a very useful information for diagnosis and treatment.

主权项

1. A method for evaluating cardiac function by displaying (dZ/dt)min values, and the corresponding preceding RR interval (RR1) values, pre-preceding RR interval (RR2) values and RR1/RR2 ratio values on the basis of a large number of continuous thoracic impedance measurement values obtained using cardiac function measurement means, on a scatter plot in which RR1 or RR1/RR2 used for one axis and (dZ/dt)min used to another axis, and making a comparison with predefined model data to evaluate cardiac function.