Evaluation of respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in heart failure patients.
BACKGROUND
Heart failure (HF) is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to supply the necessities of the body. Pulmonary function and respiratory muscles can be affected and typical symptoms presented by the patients include discomfort at a minimal exertion.


OBJECTIVE
To verify pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in patients with class II and III HF as defined by the New York Heart Association (NYHA).


METHODS
The study was descriptive and observational, and comprised 12 class II and III HF patients in follow-up at the out-patient. Pulmonary function assessments [Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)] were performed using microspirometry and respiratory muscle strength [Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEPmax) and Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIPmax)] were evaluated using a pressure transducer (Globalmed).


RESULTS
Differences were found between the functional classes II and III in relation to pulmonary function: FEV1 (II: 91.17 +/- 19.87; III: 68.17 +/- 21.78); FVC (II: 68.17 +/- 21.78; III: 73.67 +/- 22.94); and respiratory muscle strength: MIPmax (II: 71.67 +/- 40.70; III: 53.33 +/- 29.27) and MEPmax (II: 98.83 +/- 34.56; III: 58.33 +/- 15.06). The class II were higher for all study parameters, only MEPmax revealed a statistically significant difference.


CONCLUSIONS
The pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength are impaired in heart failure patients class III patients, particularly in relation to MEPmax.
Forgiarini
Luiz Alberto
LA
Centro Universitário Metodista-IPA, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misecórdia de Porto Alegre, Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciências Médicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
Rubleski
Angélica
A
Douglas
Garcia
G
Tieppo
Juliana
J
Vercelino
Rafael
R
Dal Bosco
Adriane
A
Monteiro
Mariane Borba
MB
Dias
Alexandre Simões
AS
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007320:Inspiratory Capacity / Q000502:physiology; D016014:Linear Models; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008448:Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology