[Characteristics of respiratory and cardiovascular systems of workers with extended length of service at asbestos plants].

Examination of 72 individuals (including 62 workers of asbestos production and 10 silicosis patients) revealed that asbestos dust primarily causes hypoxemia followed by pulmonary ventilation disorders and characteristic X-ray signs of asbestosis. Hypoxemia is associated by reliable changes in functioning of left ventricle and central hemodynamics. Degree of hypoxemia appeared to correlate with echocardiographic signs of malfunction of left ventricle and chronic heart failure.