CARDIOVASCULAR DIMENSIONS

Abstract

SummaryMeasurements have been made of the dimensions of the cardiovascular system, i.e., the heart volume in the prone position, the blood volume and the total amount of haemoglobin (THb). The following results are obtained:1. The blood volume is probably significantly lower (10 per cent) than that predicted from the body weight in group I and highly significantly lower in group II (21 per cent) and group III + IV (24 per cent). The mean value in adult patients in group III + IV is only 62.3 ml/kg of body weight.2. The THb is approximately normal in group I, whereas it is significantly lower (–14 per cent) than the value predicted from the body weight in group II and highly significantly lower (–17 per cent) in group III + IV.3. In Friedreich's ataxia, both inactivity and muscular atrophy contribute to a reduction in vascular volume, with a resulting decrease in blood volume and THb.4. The decrease in blood volume and THb is approximately the same in group II as in group III + IV. It is concluded that the wheel‐chair cases approach minimum values for maintenance of an adequate circulation.5. The heart volume in relation to THb is probably significantly increased in group II and significantly in group III + IV. In two wheel‐chair cases a considerable enlargement was recorded.