Principles of Critical Care > Part III. Cardiovascular Disorders > Chapter 20. The Pathophysiology of the Circulation in Critical Illness Lawrence D. H. Wood

Key Points

"This chapter reviews several essential concepts of normal cardiovascular function as a basis for approaching and correcting disturbed circulation in critical illness. It begins with a discussion of left ventricular (LV) pumping function and an approach to ventricular dysfunction. Then follows a review of the mechanisms by which the venous return (VR) to the heart is controlled by the systemic vessels as a basis for diagnosis and treatment of hypoperfusion states. The pulmonary circulation and factors governing lung liquid flux are described through measurements obtained by right heart catheterization to provide an approach to treating pulmonary edema without compromising adequate peripheral perfusion. Along this discussion pathway, common mechanical interactions between respiration and circulation are highlighted as a basis for understanding the cardiovascular diseases discussed in the following chapters in this section and in the next section on pulmonary disorders in critical illness...."