Optimization of Preload in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
Figure 1
During spontaneous breathing the cardiac function curve (solid red curve) is shifted to the left (dashed red curve). When the heart is functioning on the ascending part of the cardiac function curve. CVP falls (blue arrow) and CO rises ((a), on left). However, when the heart function is depressed or the circulation is volume loaded ((b), on right), CVP and CO remain unchanged. CVP: central venous pressure, CO: cardiac output.
