Impact of Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation on Cardiac Function and Echocardiographic Parameters

Cardiologists and intensive care specialists are confronted daily with mechanically ventilated patients exhibiting cardiac failure. It is of paramount importance to understand the effect of mechanical ventilation on cardiac function and to interpret echocardiographic findings correctly in order to provide the patient with the best possible treatment to support cardiac and circulatory function. Currently physicians interpret echocardiographic findings based on studies that were performed in spontaneously breathing patients. With this study, the investigators intend to contribute to the understanding of cardiac physiology in patients needing ventilatory support, especially they aim to provide the physiological basis for the interpretation of echocardiographic findings in order to improve medical support (e.g. fluid resuscitation, vasoactive drugs, ventilation strategy) of ventilated patients with impaired cardiovascular function.