Alterations of the flow-volume loop and spirometric values in acute myocardial infarction
Ibáñez Juvé, J.; Raurich Puigdevall, J.M.; Fiol Sala, M.; Abadal Centellas, J.M.; García Moris, S.
Medicina Clinica 78(1): 22-25
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 7062798 Document Number: 192177
Flow-volume loop and forced spirometric values were checked in 18 patients (12 of whom were smokers) who had suffered acute myocardial infarction, 72 h and 2 mo. after onset. The results obtained showed a clear impairment in forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) and the maximal expiratory flow in the diminished volume of the flow-volume (V/V) loop (FEF50% and FEF75%), which is suggestive of small airways obstruction, and did not improve within the 2-mo. period. Left ventricular failure caused the alterations to be statistically significant for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEF25-75%, as well as for the above mentioned V/V loop. Small airways obstruction was also found in patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction. Spirometer values worsened perceptibly when patients changed from the seated to supine position in tests taken upon admission. Smoking must be considered as partially responsible for alterations in pulmonary function in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The data obtained with the V/V loop apparently did not differ from those of the spirogram, and the FEF25-75% test is a sensitive indicator for small airways obstruction and a simpler method for function tests of the small airways than are other procedures.