HEMODYNAMICS OF PULMONARY CIRCULATION IN PATIENTS WITH DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

Pulmonary hemodynamics was studied in 150 patients with dilated cardio myopathy. Secondary postcapillary pulmonary hypertension with increase of pulmonary artery systolic pressure above 60 mm Hg was observed in 30%, transpulmonary pressure gradient over 15 mm Hg - in 15%, and pulm onary vascular resistance exceeding 2 Wood units - in 21% of patients. Two degrees of pulmonary hypertension were distinguished. First degre e - pulmonary artery systolic pressure less, equal to or above 60 mm H g, transpulmonary gradient less than 15 mm Hg, pulmonary vascular resi stance less than 4 Wood units. Second degree - pulmonary artery systol ic pressure above 60 mm Hg, transpulmonary pressure gradient above 15 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance more than 4 Wood units. Degree of pulmonary hypertension did not depend on age, duration of the dise ase, left ventricular ejection fraction and dilatation of left ventric ular cavity. In patients with high pulmonary hypertension sinus rhythm was observed more frequently. Pulmonary tromboembolism and mitral reg urgitation of different degrees made only insigificant contribution to the development of pulmonary hypertension. Functional class of heart failure and one year mortality correlated directly with the degree of pulmonary hypertension.