Chronic heart failure (CHF) is known to impair lung function, especially gas diffusion, but few information is available about respiratory function test (RFT) in patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and no signs of CHF. AIM to assess RFT in a group of CAD patients (2-7 years from coronary bypass) attending a programm of cardiac rehabilitation (aerobic exercise training 3 times/week). SUBJECTS and METHODS: in 11 M (age 55-72 years, 8 no smokers, 3 previous smokers ≥ 5years) with no exercise limitation (mean VO2max 89.3 of predicted, range 73%-115%, normal VE/VCO2 slope during exercise), no reduced systolic function (EF 64.7±1.9 ), RFT and alveolar diffusing capacity (DLco sb) at rest were assessed. RESULTS Standard pulmonary function tests were not affected but the diffusion capacity was moderately reduced. No significant correlation has been found between DLCO and any other index. CONCLUSION: in CAD patients with no evidence of heart failure, the pulmonary diffusion capacity is impaired; in the absence of obstructive and vascular lung disease and anaemia, the observed abnormalities could be related to ultrastructural changes in the endothelial alveolar membrane. The magnitude of these changes and their effect on exercise performance should be carefully followed up. Monitoring of pulmonary function seems indicated in patients with a history of CAD even if asymptomatic and may provide complementary information.
Lung diffusion capacity is reduced in patients with coronary artery disease and no signs of heart failure
GRAZZI, Giovanni;MAZZONI, Gianni;FERRARO, Andrea;COGO, Annaluisa
2006
Abstract
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is known to impair lung function, especially gas diffusion, but few information is available about respiratory function test (RFT) in patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and no signs of CHF. AIM to assess RFT in a group of CAD patients (2-7 years from coronary bypass) attending a programm of cardiac rehabilitation (aerobic exercise training 3 times/week). SUBJECTS and METHODS: in 11 M (age 55-72 years, 8 no smokers, 3 previous smokers ≥ 5years) with no exercise limitation (mean VO2max 89.3 of predicted, range 73%-115%, normal VE/VCO2 slope during exercise), no reduced systolic function (EF 64.7±1.9 ), RFT and alveolar diffusing capacity (DLco sb) at rest were assessed. RESULTS Standard pulmonary function tests were not affected but the diffusion capacity was moderately reduced. No significant correlation has been found between DLCO and any other index. CONCLUSION: in CAD patients with no evidence of heart failure, the pulmonary diffusion capacity is impaired; in the absence of obstructive and vascular lung disease and anaemia, the observed abnormalities could be related to ultrastructural changes in the endothelial alveolar membrane. The magnitude of these changes and their effect on exercise performance should be carefully followed up. Monitoring of pulmonary function seems indicated in patients with a history of CAD even if asymptomatic and may provide complementary information.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
