What would a pulmonary function test (PFT) typically reveal for a patient suffering from CHF or pulmonary edema?

In the context of congestive heart failure (CHF) or pulmonary edema, a pulmonary function test (PFT) would typically reveal reduced lung volumes and capacities. This occurs because fluid accumulation in the alveoli and interstitial spaces impedes normal lung expansion, leading to a decrease in vital capacity and total lung capacity.

Patients with pulmonary edema often experience a restrictive pattern in their pulmonary function tests. This means that although the airways may not be obstructed, the ability of the lungs to expand and fill with air is compromised, resulting in lower measured volumes. As a result, parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and total lung capacity (TLC) would be decreased.

In contrast, conditions like asthma or COPD may present with an obstructive pattern, featuring low FEV1 and normal or increased lung volumes, which would not apply to a patient with CHF or pulmonary edema. Likewise, increased lung volumes are not typical in patients suffering from these conditions, as the fluid enables less lung inflation. Thus, “reduced volumes and capacities” accurately describes the expected findings in a PFT for patients with CHF or pulmonary edema.