[The cardiocirculatory state of the catabolic patient].

The patient in the state of catabolism shows, at least at the beginning, a hyperdynamic cardiovascular system which is characterized by an increased cardiac output and a high oxygen consumption. The following factors intervene in the regulation of the cardiac output: autoregulation of tissue perfusion, preload and afterload of the heart, contractility of the myocardium and heart frequency. All these elements are influenced by neurohormonal factors during stress or in the state of catabolism. Clinical observation of the functional signs at the level of the peripheral organs allows to evaluate the circulatory function. In patients in a critical or unstable state, monitoring by invasive techniques may become necessary in order to evaluate the situation and to adapt the treatment.