This book describes the basic, pathophysiologic, and clinical importance of the reciprocal relationships and interactions between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, examining mechanical responses caused by lung volume and thoracic pressure. Emphasizes humoral and neurophysical interactions occurring in diseases that lead to cardiorespiratory failure. Covering pulmonary mechanics, respiratory muscle function, exercise physiology, and control of venous return and cardiac output, Respiratory-Circulatory Interactions in Health and Disease · focuses on mechanisms of heart failure in respiratory disease · details the central interactions in sudden infant death syndrome · considers the control of tissue metabolism, the development of the sympathetic nervous system, mathematical modeling, and image analysis as a tool for investigating cardiocirculatory function · examines the effects of muscle reflexes on respiration and circulation · analyzes systemic inflammatory response and chronic obstructive lung disease · discusses respiratory maneuvers to support failing circulation and ventilation · addresses current controversies surrounding the balloon-tipped catheter · debates using inhaled nitrous oxide to treat circulatory failure · and more! Supplying a rational basis for understanding the ways in which the cardiovascular and respiratory systems interact in normal and abnormal situations, Respiratory-Circulatory Interactions in Health and Disease is a blue-ribbon reference for cardiologists; pulmonologists; physiologists; intensivists; cardiothoracic surgeons; anesthesiologists; asthmatologists; health care practitioners interested in chest, pulmonary, and thoracic medicine; and medical school students in these disciplines.