THE INFLUENCE OF HIGH SYSTEMIC BLOOD PRESSURES ON THE RIGHT VENTRICLE AND PULMONARY CIRCUIT

Abstract

The effects of mechanical compression of the thoracic aorta were studied with pressure curves recorded from intact animals by optical manometers of high figures of merit. The diastolic pressure in the pulmonary artery remained unaltered as long as the heart rate remained the same, and actually fell when the heart slowed. The systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery rose, but so slightly that it required a sensitive apparatus to detect it. The results differ from those in the heart-lung preparation. The pressure in the right auricle and the initial pressure of the right ventricle increased very slightly. The pressure curve of the right ventricle became steeper and taller. Similar changes occurred also in the left ventricle and usually in the left auricle as well. A word of caution is given about the interpretation of auricular pressure curves.