Chest wall regional volume in heart failure patients during inspiratory loaded breathing

Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2012 Mar 15;180(2-3):269-74. doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2011.12.002. Epub 2011 Dec 13.

Abstract

Were evaluated individuals divided into two groups: we studied chronic heart failure (CHF) (19 patients with CHF plus cardiomegaly) and control (12 healthy volunteers) during performance of inspiratory loaded breathing (ILB). We evaluated: spirometry, functional capacity through the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and distribution of thoracoabdominal volumes via optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP), namely volume variations of pulmonary rib cage (Vrc,p), abdominal rib cage (Vrc,a), and abdomen (Vab). In each compartment, the percentage contributions of right and left sides were also calculated. During ILB, patients with heart failure were characterized by a significant reduction of the Vrc,a volume variations compared to the control group. Correlations were found between left %Vrc,a on the left side measured during ILB and left ventricular ejection fraction (r=0.468; p=0.049), and dyspnea after the 6MWT (r=-0.878; p<0.01).Then, patients with CHF and cardiomegaly are characterized by a reduced mobility in left part of the lower part of the rib cage, that contributes leading to increased perception of dyspnea during submaximal exercise.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cardiomegaly / pathology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dyspnea / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Functional Residual Capacity / physiology
  • Heart Failure / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Plethysmography
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Respiratory Mechanics / physiology*
  • Respiratory Muscles / physiology
  • Thoracic Wall / pathology*
  • Vital Capacity / physiology
  • Young Adult