[Features of the functional status of the myocardium of patients with the infectious-allergic form of bronchial asthma].

Myocardial function was studied in 131 patients with infectious-allergic bronchial asthma. The chronic cor pulmonale formation was shown to be a complex process including hypertrophy not only of the right but also of the left ventricle caused by raised pressure both in the lesser and greater circulation. Functional changes prevailed at the initial stages of the development of disease, but with progression of disease, especially in a severe course, not only functional but also irreversible organic myocardial changes were revealed. Early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, forming cor pulmonale and subsequent heart failure in bronchial asthma promoted objective assessment of myocardial function in such patients and administration of timely and appropriate therapy.