changes in respiratory control mechanisms
Last reviewed 01/2018
Patients with chronic heart failure have an increased ventilatory response to exercise, even in the absence of pulmonary oedema.
Increased levels of carbon dioxide during exercise are not thought to be the signal for increased ventilation. It has been proposed that changes in skeletal muscle result in reduced aerobic respiratory reserve and promote early anaerobic metabolism. Compounds such as adenosine or lactate may be the signal for excessive ventilation.