Rheography is a diagnostic method in which blood flow is examined both in specific organs and tissues, and throughout the body as a whole.. The essence of rheography is the graphic registration with the help of a special device - a rheograph - of changes in the electrical conductivity of an organ caused by pulse fluctuations in blood flow..

Among all the structures of our body, blood has the highest electrical conductivity.. This means that during systolic contraction of the heart, when blood rushes to nearby organs, the electrical conductivity of these parts of the body will be high, and at the time of relaxation of the heart muscle (diastole), on the contrary, it will be low.. Based on the readings of the rheograph, a curve of pulse oscillations is displayed, called a rheogram.

Advantages of rheographyRheography is a non-invasive method, which means harmless to the body. Indeed: there is no interference in his work. The skin and tissues are not damaged, because the electric current passed through them is so small in size and frequency that it is simply not capable of causing any tangible damage..

Harmlessness is not the only advantage of rheography. This method is highly sensitive. Rheography allows you to assess the general state of blood supply, identify blood supply disorders as a separate organ, whether it be the brain, kidneys or liver, and the whole body.

What is a rheograph? The basis of the rheograph is an electric current generator and a nozzle for translating measurements into graphic form. The rheogram is recorded using metal electrodes applied to target areas of the body. Before rheography, a tissue pad soaked in sodium chloride solution is placed between the electrode and the surface of the patient's body (this will improve their mutual contact), and the skin itself is wiped with an alcohol solution to remove the fatty film.

What can be seen on the rheogram? The rheogram has the form of a sinusoid with a steeper rise, characterizing the arterial blood flow, and a smooth descent, which, in turn, is a display of the venous blood flow. In order to thoroughly analyze the state of blood flow, during rheography, it is necessary to remove many such curves. An experienced diagnostician will pay attention to the regularity of the curve (the similarity between several curves) and its shape, the presence and number of additional curves in the descending phase. So, for example, with vegetovascular dystonia and arrhythmias, adjacent curves are different in shape.

In addition to the external characteristics of the curves, the doctor solves several more mathematical problems: using special formulas, the rheographic index is calculated, for which a certain interval is set, beyond which it is possible to judge the presence of pathology, and several more indicators (amplitude-frequency indicator, venous outflow indicator,.

Central rheography: the work of the heart under a magnifying glassCentral rheography - the study of blood flow in the pulmonary artery and aorta - a great way to evaluate the work of your heart. According to the blood filling of the lung and right ventricle, the state of the contractile function of the heart is judged. Normally, the rheogram of the pulmonary artery looks like this: a gentle ascending part (on the aortic rheogram this segment is steeper), a round apex with a small “dimple” or an additional wave and a smooth descent. When conducting central rheography, the following types of rheograms are distinguished depending on the state of blood flow in the heart and lungs:.

hypervolemic (increased volume of blood flow). On the rheogram, this is reflected by a higher pointed curve with a steep descending part.;

hypovolemic (reduced volume of blood flow). The height of the curve decreases, “serifs” appear on its ascending part, the top is flat, the descending part becomes more gentle;

hypertonic (high blood pressure in the lungs). The curve has a steep rise, a round top and a gentle descent..

Vascular rheography Vascular rheography or rheovasography allows you to assess blood flow in the vessels in the periphery, that is, in the limbs. The main " Vessel rheography is carried out in the same way as described above: rectangular or tape electrodes are used, the skin under them is treated with a sodium chloride solution or a special electrically conductive gel. To examine the blood flow in a specific area (shoulder, lower leg, etc.). ) one electrode is applied at the beginning of this section, and the other, respectively, at its end. For example, if we talk about the lower leg, then these points will be the area of \u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bthe ankle joint and the popliteal fossa.

The wave on a normal rheogram has a steep ascending part, a round crown and a gentle descent with possible additional waves.

With the help of vascular rheography, one can, for example, make a diagnosis such as obliterating endarteritis, or, as it is also called, " On the rheogram, this is reflected in a decrease in the height of the curve, flattening of the top, and the absence of additional waves..

Thus, if there are prerequisites or suspicions of problems with peripheral vessels (loss of their tone, elasticity, narrowing of the lumen or even blockage), then vascular rheography will be able to answer exciting questions.

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