[Pulmonary gas exchange after myocardial infarction in the late period of recovery. I. Investigation at rest].

In the late period of recovery after myocardial infarction (13-25 months p. infarctum) lung function of 23 patients was examined at rest. Spirometric values and parameters of pulmonary gas exchange showed alterations caused by pathological left ventricular function. Arterial Po2 was slightly decreased (chi=74.5 +/- 5.9 Torr), AaDo2 (chi=33.6 +/- 7.7 Torr) and aADco2 (chi=8.6 +/- 3.7 Torr) were increased. Pathological changes of arterial Pco2 (chi=40.6 +/- 2.5 Torr) were not observed. Mixed venous Po2 and cardiac output in 9 patients suggested cardiac failure. In a number of pulmonary parameters measured at rest correlations could prove a dependence on the patients physical work capacity.