[Pulmonary and diaphragmatic mechanics and respiratory movements in patients with heart valve disease]. / Legochnaia i diafragmal'naia mekhanika i dykhatel'nye dvizheniia u bol'nykh porokami serdtsa.

Pulmonary ventilation, and pulmonary and diaphragmatic mechanics were examined in 41 patients with valvular defects and circulatory insufficiency of varying severity. The hemodynamic function of the thoraco-abdominal pump mechanism was shown to be disrupted in valvular disease, resulting in reduced capacity of "sucking" blood towards the heart, and increased capacity of "pumping" it on a compensatory basis. It is concluded that insufficiency of the thoraco-abdominal pumping mechanism can contribute to the progress of hemodynamic disorders and the development of associated respiratory and circulatory disturbances.