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Bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with moderate pulmonary circulation overload
1Department of Clinical Immunology and Asthma OPD, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
Chest
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and mitral valve stenosis (MVS) exhibit bronchial hyperreactivity. This finding suggests that pulmonary circulation overload exacerbates respiratory symptoms in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) and mitral valve stenosis (MVS) present with respiratory symptoms like dyspnea, wheezing, and cough.
- These symptoms overlap with those of bronchial hyperreactivity, but its presence in chronic pulmonary circulation overload is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic pulmonary circulation overload on respiratory function.
- To determine if bronchial hyperreactivity is present in patients with CHF and MVS.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary function tests, including acetylcholine challenges, were conducted.
- Left and right heart catheterization was performed.
- Participants included 21 patients with impaired left ventricular function (CHF), 5 with MVS, and 17 controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with CHF and MVS demonstrated significantly higher airway resistance and lower airway conductance compared to controls.
- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was defined by specific obstructive responses to acetylcholine.
- Induced bronchial obstruction was fully reversible with beta-2-mimetic inhalation.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pulmonary circulation overload is associated with bronchial hyperreactivity.
- This bronchial hyperreactivity may worsen dyspnea in patients with CHF and MVS.