[Current and future application of the microcomputer in cardiology].

The present and forthcoming applications of micro data processing in cardiology are reviewed. Heart signals benefit from the digital approach which reduces distortions and permits mass storage. Electrocardiography and, notably, Holter systems, as well as ultrasonic or radiological cardiac and vascular imaging begin to profit from these remarkable advances. Data banks will in due course be constituted which, among other things, will provide a better knowledge of the incidence of some diseases or pathological associations and of their natural history and course under treatment. Such banks will also form the basis of an objective evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness.