Investigation of the effect of deep-breathing on the caval circulation in patients with cardiac rhythm disorders using 5D radial Flow MRI

Respiratory motion effects thoracic blood flow mainly by intrathoracic pressure changes. In addition, deep-inspirations strongly increase the systemic venous return with immediate repercussions on right ventricular stroke volume. Simultaneously, pulmonary resistance is increased leading to decreased inflow in the left chambers, which is compensated in the following heartbeats. In patients with atrial myopathy (ex. atrial fibrillation), these adjustments might be more difficult. Our aim was to assess the impact of deep breathing on hemodynamic parameters in patients with atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal and permanent, and in a healthy population as compared to normal breathing.