December 13, 1984

President Reagan today telephoned William J. Schroeder, the recipient of an artificial heart, to wish him well. But the patient immediately complained about getting a ''runaround'' on his Social Security benefits.

The United States told Belgium and the Netherlands today that the chances for progress in forthcoming negotiations with the Soviet Union would be set back if they did not carry out commitments to deploy American cruise missiles. American and allied officials said the message was conveyed by Secretary of State George P. Shultz in meetings here with Belgian and Dutch officials. An aide to Mr. Shultz said he had found the meetings ''positive.'' ''They told us they would do their best to do their duty, but they also pointed out the problems they have,'' the aide said.

The Economy ''Remarkably tight'' credit conditions are slowing the economy, Treasury Secretary Regan charged. His criticism of Paul A. Volcker, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, was the most pointed made by the Administration in months. Mr. Regan also said it was ''possible but not probable'' that the economic lull would turn into a recession. Discussing tax overhaul, he said he was sounding out proponents of rival plans to see how to combine the best elements of their proposals. (Page A1.) Some oil prices hit their lowest level of the year as speculation mounted that Norway and Britain would cut prices, possibly forcing OPEC to follow. Warm weather was also cited. Crude oil for delivery in January closed at $26.72, down 53 cents a barrel for the day and off $3 since the end of September. (D1.)

Treasury Secretary Donald T. Regan charged today that Paul A. Volcker's ''remarkably tight'' management of the money supply was slowing economic growth and hurting the Christmas shopping season. This was the Administration's most extensive and pointed public criticism of the Federal Reserve chairman in months. The Federal Reserve System, the nation's central bank, is an independent agency that is not directly answerable to the President. Mr. Regan, answering reporters' questions, said it was ''possible but not probable'' that the current economic lull would turn into a recession. He forecast slight improvement during the next six months but said it would probably be mid-1985 before the economy returned to the 4 percent growth rate that the Administration is counting on to help reduce Federal budget deficits.

Remember flavored ketchup? Frozen cookie dough? Liquid brown sugar, toaster pizza, low calorie cake mix? Probably not. They were among the new products that have come tumbling onto the market in record numbers in recent years. And they, like all but a few of the rest, tumbled right off again. In November alone, according to Dancer Fitzgerald Sample Inc., a New York advertising agency, 196 new products were introduced, the second-highest monthly total that Dancer has ever reported. As few as one in ten, some marketing experts say, are likely to survive. Indeed, bringing out something new is risky business. And as a result, the experts say, more and more manufacturers are playing it safe, introducing variations of established brands - cheap imitations, some say - rather than interesting new departures.