1. The graphic recording of movements of the body imparted by ballistic forces (cardiac contraction and ejection of blood, ventricular filling, acceleration, and deceleration of blood flow through the great vessels); these minute movements are amplified and recorded on moving chart paper after being translated into an electrical potential by a pickup device. 2. The study and interpretation of ballistocardiograms.
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bal·lis·to·car·di·og·ra·phy (bə-lis″to-kahr″de-ogґrə-fe) the graphic recording, by means of a ballistocardiograph, of the recoil movements of the body which result from motion of the heart and blood.Medical dictionary. 2011.