[Cardiac output, blood gas analysis and the acid-base state of the blood in chronic cor pulmonale].

In 61 patients with chronic cor pulmonale with compensation and decompensation of circulation, the stroke and minute heart volume were studied as well as the indices, characterizing the blood-gas contents and acid-base blood state. The minute heart volume in the patients examined proved to be with normal values. Stroke heart volume is decreased in all patients examined with chronic cor pulmonale. The acceleration of heart activity enables the maintenance of normal minute volume. Hypoxemia has a cardiac depressive effect as regards minute volume and heart rate. The moderate hypercapnia has a certain stimulating effect on heart. A direct proportional correlation exists between the hypercapnia degree and the tendency of minute volume increase and especially of heart rate. The campaign against hypoxemia is an essential element in the prophylaxis and early treatment of chronic cor pulmonale.