kardiopulmonal

Cardiopulmonal, or cardiopulmonary, refers to the integrated function and interaction of the heart and the lungs. The term is used to describe medical aspects that involve both cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including physiology, diagnostics, and therapies.

The heart circulates blood that is low in oxygen to the lungs, where it is oxygenated, and then returns to the heart to be pumped to tissues. The lungs depend on a functioning heart for proper blood flow, while the heart relies on adequate oxygen exchange in the lungs. The two systems are interconnected through the pulmonary and systemic circulations, and their performance is influenced by autonomic regulation, blood composition, and muscle activity.

Clinical use includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a life-saving technique combining chest compressions and ventilations. Cardiopulmonary bypass temporarily substitutes heart and lung function during many heart surgeries. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs help patients recover after cardiac or pulmonary disease and improve exercise tolerance. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing assesses the integrated response of heart and lungs to physical stress.

Common conditions affecting cardiopulmonary health include heart failure, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and interstitial lung disease. Management often requires multidisciplinary care, including pharmacotherapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle modification.

Etymology: the term combines Greek kardia for heart and pneumon for lung; in medical usage, cardiopulmonary health denotes the functional status of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.