Respiratory failure arising from acute myocardial infarction.

Respiratory failure in a patient with acute myocardial infarction requires immediate attention in an attempt to prevent extension of the myocardial injury. Therapy should be based on a thorough cardiorespiratory analysis and careful monitoring, because erroneous decisions may have serious consequences when the circulation is marginal. If the patient is connected to a ventilator, a low IMV rate is haemodynamically preferable to CMV. Moderate PEEP can and should be used to decrease venous admixture and to increase lung compliance when needed. Face mask CPAP may, in some cases, make endotracheal intubation unnecessary.