| abstract |
A system for and method of treating a malfunctioning heart is based on hemodynamics, the pressure at a site in a patient's circulatory system being sensed. A signal is developed representative of short term mean arterial pressure (MAP) or right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), or right ventricular pulse pressure (RVPP). The rate of change and direction of the rate of change is determined and, if the rate of change in a given direction exceeds a predetermined amount, an indication of possible hemodynamic compromise, cardioversion/defibrillation is effected. |