Blood volume and residual volume of the heart in decompensation

A method of labeling the red cells with P 32 and especially with thorium B is described. These methods have been used for determination of the total red cell volume and its changes during treatment of cardiac decompensation. It has been found that the red cell volume is increased during decompensation. Much of the increase in red cell volume is to be referred to increase of the residual blood in the heart. With the help of measuring (x-ray) heart volume and displacement volume of the heart, together with calculation of dilation curves, it is possible to get information about the amount of residual blood in the heart.