[Hemodynamic relations between systemic and pulmonary circulation in hypertension]

Central and pulmonary circulation was studied in 111 patients with essential hypertension, stages I, IIa, IIb, using radio- and polycardiographic techniques. Pulmonary circulation changes associated with output hypertension were manifested in increased systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery and vascular volume of the lungs with increased venous return, and high blood flow rate combined with relatively normal pulmonary vascular resistance (total pulmonary resistance). Decreased cardiac output in vasoconstrictive pressor mechanism results from high total pulmonary resistance and reduced venous return, in addition to high peripheral resistance. Pulmonary hemodynamic changes were particularly pronounced in patients with normokinetic circulation. A quantitative assessment of relationships between major parameters of systemic and pulmonary circulation brought out close functional bonds within one circulatory variant. The findings obtained revealed similar patterns in the mechanisms of systemic and regional pressure formation in essential hypertension.