phonocardiography
Pronunciation: foe-no-car-dee-OG-ra-fee
Graphic recording of heart sounds and murmurs for diagnostic analysis.
Full Definition
Phonocardiography is a diagnostic technique that provides visual representation of cardiac sounds through electronic amplification and recording. The phonocardiogram displays heart sounds (S1, S2, S3, S4) and murmurs as waveforms synchronized with the cardiac cycle, often combined with ECG and carotid pulse tracings. While largely replaced by echocardiography in clinical practice, phonocardiography remains valuable for teaching cardiac auscultation and research applications. It can help identify subtle timing relationships between heart sounds and murmurs.
Usage
Usage note: Rarely used in modern practice; primarily historical or research context.
In Context
- "Phonocardiography confirmed the presence of a mid-systolic click preceding the murmur." — cardiology research study
- "The phonocardiogram revealed subtle S4 gallop not appreciated on clinical examination." — diagnostic testing report