Evaluation of a Novel Non-invasive Algorithm to Assess Systolic and Diastolic Function in Normal Subjects

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of cardiac disease continues to burden patients and the health care economy. Over the past 30 years novel therapies, medications, and imaging technologies have extended life spans and wearable monitoring devices have led to improved care and outcomes. However, there is a technological gap regarding noninvasive monitoring of cardiac mechanical function. Methods: In a feasibility study, we evaluated a novel algorithm to assess the systolic and diastolic function in five normal subjects. We used a monitor developed in-house that simultaneously digitally recorded a one-lead Electrocardiogram, a Z-axis seismocardiogram, and a precordial phonocardiogram. We processed these data streams using a novel algorithm (ALG) (US patent 7054679B2). Result: Five subjects completed a stress dobutamine test. Baseline (BL) data was recorded and followed by doses of dobutamine (10 (D10) and 20 mcg/kg/min (D20) at 5–7-minute intervals. Along with the algorithm-derived systolic function (ALG-SF) and diastolic function (ALG-DF) values, we collected 2D echo-derived strain data and calculated systolic strain rate (SSR) and diastolic strain rate (DSR). Compared to BL, D20 increased ALG-SF and ALF-DF parameters by 33.3 ± 3.1% and 64.0 ± 28.5% (p<.05). Likewise, SSR and DSR increased by 82.4 ± 12.4 and 30.1 ± 7.0%. Conclusion: In this pilot study, ALG-SF and SSR along ALG-DF and DSR were highly correlated with one another. Further studies in patients suffering from cardiac pathophysiology’s are warranted.