[The use of the results of current instrumental methods of cardiological examination in the sociomedical expert assessment of patients with rheumatic heart defects].

Altogether 103 patients with rheumatic heart disease were examined within different times after prosthetics of heart valves (mitral or aortal). The purpose was to elaborate the principles of applying the data of instrumental methods of cardiological examination to the improvement of disability criteria. The examination included echocardiography, tetrapolar chest rheography and ECG exercise test. The data allowed one to estimate myocardial reserves and to specify the intensity of functional disorders of the cardiovascular system. The expert medical conclusions on the working ability were revised in 47 patients, bearing in mind the data obtained. Before the examination 70 patients (68%) were considered to completely lose the working ability. However, after the examination their number dropped to 34 (33%), whereas the number of persons able to work rose from 5 to 12%.