Cardiovascular monitoring in the coronary care unit.

The present status of cardiovascular monitoring in the coronary care unit is reviewed. Major emphasis is placed on electrocardiographic monitoring, the only form of monitoring used on most patients who have suffered recent myocardial infarction. The capabilities and limitations of computer systems to perform electrocardiographic monitoring are reviewed, as are present techniques for hemodynamic monitoring and computerized integration of electrocardiographic, hemodynamic, and other patient data.