Cardiovascular Hydraulics: A Critique

Abstract

Many of the large number of variables within the mammalian circulation are discussed. Certain measurements can be made directly in animals and also in man but are subject to inaccuracy of technique and must be analyzed statistically at all times. Inferential measurements which are drawn from the relationship between direct measurements must always have specific frames of reference within which they may be reasonably accurate but beyond which they become increasingly meaningless. Such frames of reference and their limits must always be tested and the results, again, estimated statistically and accepted only within the tested mathematical range. Qualitative inferences, of course, can be drawn but are not subject to statistical evaluation and causality may remain problematical in any statistically significant measurement.