REVIEWS   

Minerva Pneumologica 2002 June;41(2):31-48

Copyright © 2002 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Cardiopulmonary mechanical interactions

Solidoro P.

O2 and CO2 transport is the main function of the cardiopulmonary system and is regulated by many mechanical relationships; in fact, respiratory function changes are fundamental in pulmonary vascular resistances and in intrathoracic pressures (in particularly in cases of negative endopleural pressure and positive end expiratory pressures and/or pressure support) with important consequences on the cardiac and circulatory function. Aim of this review is trying to explain how intrathoracic pressures may influence vascular resistances, venous return, cardiac output preload and afterload, and how all this can be clinically measured and influence patient symptoms, therapy and outcome.