Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Aug 1996
The sensation of dyspnea during exercise is not determined by the work of breathing in patients with heart failure.
The present study sought to investigate whether the work of breathing was reduced after heart transplantation. Accordingly, the tension time index of the diaphragm was measured in patients with heart failure and in transplant recipients. ⋯ Although heart transplantation alleviates dyspnea in patients with heart failure, the work of breathing as assessed by the tension time index of the diaphragm is not decreased. Amelioration of exertional dyspnea is achieved by other mechanisms, such as improved respiratory muscle perfusion.