PULMONARY ARTERY DIASTOLIC PRESSURE: ITS RELATIONSHIP TO PULMONARY ARTERIOLAR RESISTANCE AND PULMONARY “CAPILLARY” PRESSURE 1

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Abstract
A study of pulmonary arteriolar resistance, pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures, and pulmonary "capillary" pressure was made in 54 human subjects, some normal and some suffering from a variety of diseases. Significant correlation was found between pulmonary arteriolar resistance and each of the following: pulmonary artery systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures. The correlation of resistance with diastolic pressure was no closer than with mean or systolic pressure. A significant negative correlation between pulmonary arteriolar resistance and arterial O2 saturation was found. Significant correlation between pulmonary "capillary" pressure and pulmonary artery diastolic pressure was observed. No significant correlation was found between arterial O2 unsaturation and cardiac output. An increase in pulmonary arteriolar resistance apparently produces an elevation in pulmonary artery mean, systolic and diastolic pressures. There is no evidence that increased resistance produces a disproportionate elevation in pulmonary diastolic pressure as compared to mean and systolic pressures.