Right Atrial Pressure Affects the Interaction between Lung Mechanics and Right Ventricular Function in Spontaneously Breathing COPD Patients

Authors: Bart Boerrigter, Pia Trip, Harm Jan Bogaard, Herman Groepenhoff, Frank Oosterveer, Nico Westerhof, Anton Vonk Noordegraaf

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030208

Abstract Summary

In COPD patients, right ventricular stroke volume drops up to 40% during expiration due to increased intrathoracic pressure impeding venous return. This decline is most pronounced in patients with low right atrial filling pressure. The effect persists during exercise, highlighting how lung mechanics in COPD create significant heart-lung interactions that vary with cardiac filling status.

Why Brain? 🧠

COPD patients show up to 40% decrease in right ventricular stroke volume during expiration, especially with low right atrial filling pressure, revealing critical heart-lung interactions during breathing.

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