Ballistocardiogram

/bəˌlɪstoʊˈkɑrdiəɡræm/ noun

Definition

A recording made by a ballistocardiograph showing the movements of the body caused by heartbeats.

Etymology

From 'ballisto-' (relating to ballistic movement) + 'cardiogram' (heart recording). Developed in the 1940s as physicians sought non-invasive ways to study heart function.

Kelly Says

Your heartbeat actually throws your entire body backward slightly with each pump—a ballistocardiogram captures this tiny 'recoil' to measure how strongly your heart is working.

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