Alterations of the Cardiac Cycle and of Polygrams Produced by Artificial Fever

Abstract

Conclusions

Analysis of the polygrams recorded during artificial fever suggest that the distressing symptoms one observes and the subjective discomfort experienced by patients during the induction of artificial hyperpyrexia are caused by an inadequate filling of the heart. The inadequate filling of the heart may be accounted for, in part at least, by an insufficient duration of the filling time. These observations further support the belief that the undesirable symptoms which occur during artificial fever therapy are caused by a temporary cardiac decompensation resulting from inadequate filling. Reduced cardiac filling probably results from (1) a reduced venous return resulting from uncompensated peripheral vasodilatation, (2) a shortening of the filling time, and (3) reduced blood volume.

Compensation may be accounted for not only by an increase in the efficiency of the emptying of the ventricles but also by a more adequate filling brought about by an increase in the venous return, an increase in the duration of the filling time and possibly by increased atrial activity.