Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate a coronary sonospectographic analyzer (CSA) in detecting high frequency low-level sounds generated by coronary stenoses. Methods: Cardiac sounds were recorded with the CSA in nine patients before and after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Computer analysis of the data was performed with a signal averaging algorithm. A weighted score was assigned to sounds which occurred in > 35% of the heart beat cycles analyzed and achieved an intensity greater than one standard deviation above the mean for that frequency. Results: The sum of the weighted scores were compared pre and post PTCA using a paired t test. The t test was significant at P < 0.05. The mean weighted score prior to PTCA was 436.7 and the mean post PTCA was 232.0. Of the nine patients studied the scores decreased in eight and increased in one. Conclusions: The CSA was successful in detecting high frequency low-level sounds which decreased after PTCA. These sounds are most likely caused by turbulence in blood flow at points of severe coronary artery stenosis. Clinical Implications: The CSA is a noninvasive tool which may be useful in detecting coronary stenoses and following patients after PTCA.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 119S |
Journal | CHEST |
Volume | 110 |
Issue number | 4 SUPPL. |
State | Published - Oct 1 1996 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine