Pulmonary Function Testing for the Cardiologist

Abstract

This monograph will Consists of two portions. The first part will deal with underlying principles essential to the understanding of the pulmonary function test. This will be followed in the second part by description of alteration of its results in the different diseases of Cardiovascu1ar system. Slightly reversible: 25 % or less improvement, over prebronchodilator figure. Moderarey responsive 55 % or less improvement over prebronchodiIitor. Markedly reversible 75 % improvement over prebronchodilator figures. When the diagnosis of obstructive airway disease has been made then the following tW tests may be used further to locate the actual site o obstruction which may be central in asthma or peripheral in chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In cases of valvular heart disease, reduction in lung volume during the course of pregnancy indicates Cardiac failure.