Respiratory function in patients with coronary heart disease in combination with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The objective of the study was to assess the state of respiratory function (RF) in patients with CHD and in patients with CHD combined with COPD. Also evaluated was the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange, while taking into account the oxygen-utilization coefficient (OUC). RF was investigated in 73 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and in 51 patients with CHD combined with COPD by means of a bodyplethysmography approach. In patients with CHD and COPD there was a significant reduction of the efficiency of pulmonary ventilation (OUC decreased by 24% as compared to the normal value) against a background of bronchial conductivity. The patients with CHD without COPD showed a moderate decrease in RF reserves, with the effectiveness of pulmonary ventilation maintained at an optimal level.