[Plasma catecholamines and hemodynamics in left heart failure (author's transl)].

7 healthy male subjects, 17 patients with left heart failure of degree I and II and 14 patients of degree III and IV (3 patients) based on a coronary heart disease were examined at rest and during ergometric exercise in supine position during a right-heart-catheter examination. Three patients degree IV were not exercised. Compared to healthy subjects, the patients showed, according to disease severity, catecholamine level increases at rest and at the same submaximum exercise intensity. The catecholamine levels show no difference between the patients and healthy subjects during maximum ergometric exercise, although the patients exercise load was 30% (degree I and II) and 60% (degree III) lower. Three patients of the degree IV already have plasma catecholamine levels at rest like those of healthy subjects during maximum ergometric exercise at 155 +/- 33 Watts. Adrenaline and noradrenaline show a direct correlation to pressure dimensions as to the PCPm or the PAPd corresponding to the limitation extent of cardiac function. Estimation of plasma catecholamines in left heart failure during ergometric exercise allows an orientational judgement of the course of hemodynamic dimensions such as PCPm, PAPd and HMV without renewed invasive diagnostic.