The influence of cardiovascular function on gas exchange.

Alterations in cardiovascular function may play a major role in determining pulmonary gas exchange and thus significantly influence the gas composition of the arterial blood. The influence of the cardiovascular system may be exerted through changes in the PvO2 or by directly altering the distribution of ventilation and blood flow in the lung. Although this relationship is difficult to clinically assess, it must always be considered when interpreting changes in the arterial blood gases of patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction.