THE APEX CARDIOGRAM: ITS NORMAL FEATURES EXPLAINED BY THOSE FOUND IN HEART DISEASE

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Abstract
The apex cardiogram is a record of the relative movements between the heart and the chest wall. Its mode of production has been discussed, and the recording technique described, emphasizing the simplicity of this technique employing apparatus used for recording indirect carotid and jugular pulse forms. It is the only simple indirect method of assessing diastolic events on the left side of the heart. The 4 phases of the normal apex cardiogram were described. Three of these phases are produced by diastolic events, and are of considerable value in the interpretation of these events on the left side of the heart. The time relations of the heart sounds to the apex cardiogram were described, with particular emphasis on its use in differentiating between the opening snap and the third heart sound.