Effect of Acute Respiratory and Metabolic Acidosis on Cardiac Output and Peripheral Resistance

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect of acute respiratory and metabolic acidosis on cardiac output and peripheral resistance was studied experimentally in dogs. Respiratory acidosis, with maximal depression of pH to 6. 7, produced a marked increase in cardiac output and fall in peripheral resistance. Metabolic acidosis induced by lactic acid injections, with reduction of pH to 6. 8, resulted in a consistent increase in cardiac output and fall in peripheral resistance. Control injections of NaCl produced an increase in cardiac output, although to a lesser degree than observed with lactic acid. The rationale of therapy of acidotic states as a means of improving cardiovascular function is discussed.