[The assessment of cardiorespiratory performance in pulmonary emphysema (author's transl)].

In patients with pulmonary emphysema the course of PO2 and of pulmonary and systemic circulation is analysed under exercise up to the performance limit and to PO2 reduction. By alterations of breathing mechanics frequent emphysematous persons and associated with bronchial obstructions under increased intrapulmonary pressure by forced ventilation a group of patients may be found with a quick limitation of performance by hindering the intrathoracic circulation followed by reduction of the systemic blood pressure. A pulmonary arterial hypertension cannot be seen in these cases. The registration of the parameters of breathing mechanics during exercise testing is recommended.