[The use of microcomputers in the processing of complex hemodynamic data].

The use of a low-cost microcomputer in the clinical study of left ventricular diastolic function is described. Both left ventricular filling and compliance were studied by means of the simultaneous recording of left ventricular pressure and an echocardiogram displaying ventricular dimensions. A program was written to calculate ventricular volume every 40 msec and a volume-time diagram was obtained. The raw curve was smoothed with a second degree polinomial. The rate of change of ventricular volume (dV/dt) was obtained. Simultaneous left ventricular volume and pressure were plotted. The diastolic, exponential portion of the pressure-volume loop was used to calculate an index of ventricular stiffness at zero volume. It is concluded that a simple microcomputer, when conveniently programed, is able to perform the time-consuming mathematical operations involved in the clinical assessment of left ventricular diastolic function.