Cardiopulmonary

Cardiopulmonary describes the integrated function of the heart and lungs, and the relationship between cardiac output and pulmonary gas exchange. The term covers the organs, tissues, and processes that sustain circulation and respiration, as well as the clinical assessment and treatment of related conditions.

Physiology: The heart pumps blood through systemic and pulmonary circuits, while the lungs provide oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal. Pulmonary circulation carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs, where it is oxygenated before returning to the left heart. Effective cardiopulmonary function requires ventilation, diffusion, and ventilation–perfusion matching in the lungs.

Clinical relevance: Cardiopulmonary health can be affected by diseases such as heart failure, coronary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and pneumonia. Diagnostics include echocardiography, chest imaging, pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gas analysis, and exercise testing. Measures of interest include cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and gas-exchange efficiency.

Management: Treatments aim to optimize heart and lung function, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life. Approaches include medications, rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen, and, when needed, mechanical ventilation. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs combine exercise, education, and risk-factor modification. In emergency care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines chest compressions with rescue breaths to restore circulation and respiration.