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Altered diaphragm position and function in patients with chronic heart failure
L Caruana1, M C Petrie, J J McMurray
1Department of Cardiology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow G11 6NT, UK.
European Journal of Heart Failure
|March 14, 2001
Summary
Diaphragm position and function are altered in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). These changes in diaphragm mechanics may contribute to breathlessness in CHF patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary physiology
- Cardiology
- Respiratory mechanics
Background:
- Breathlessness is a common symptom in chronic heart failure (CHF).
- The diaphragm's role in CHF pathophysiology is not fully understood.
- Previous studies noted diaphragm adaptations but lacked functional data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diaphragm position and function in CHF patients.
- To correlate diaphragm mechanics with chronic heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound measurements of diaphragm position relative to the renal pelvis.
- Assessment of diaphragm movement extent and velocity during breathing in 20 CHF patients and 90 controls.
- Analysis of diaphragm function during quiet breathing and sniffing.
Main Results:
- Diaphragm is positioned significantly closer to the renal pelvis in CHF patients at end-expiration.
- Increased diaphragm movement extent during quiet breathing and sniffing in CHF patients.
- Elevated velocity of diaphragm movement during quiet breathing in CHF patients.
Conclusions:
- Diaphragm position is altered in chronic heart failure.
- Diaphragm function, including movement extent and velocity, is significantly changed in CHF patients.
- These findings highlight altered diaphragm mechanics as a potential factor in CHF-related breathlessness.