What is the expected cardiac output in both right heart failure and lung disorders?

In cases of right heart failure, the expected cardiac output can be complex but is often described as being maintained or normal in specific situations. This is due to several compensatory mechanisms that the body uses to cope with the decreased efficiency of the heart. In right heart failure, while the right ventricle is compromised, the left ventricle may still function adequately, allowing for a normal overall cardiac output in some patients.

When lung disorders are involved, especially those that cause hypoxemia (reduced oxygen levels in the blood), the body may respond by increasing cardiac output through increased heart rate or other compensatory mechanisms. For instance, chronic lung conditions like COPD can lead to pulmonary hypertension, which may initially stimulate the heart to increase cardiac output. However, this compensation can vary based on the severity and nature of the condition.

Thus, in a clinical context, while you may see decreased cardiac output in severe cases of right heart failure or advanced lung disease, many patients can maintain a normal cardiac output initially due to compensatory mechanisms. Hence, normal cardiac output can be an expected state in these situations until the condition progresses significantly.