The greater and lesser circulation: hemodynamics and external respiratory function were repeatedly examined in the course of treatment in 90 patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis and circulatory insufficiency, stages I-IIB. In heart failure, hemodynamic shifts were earlier and more pronounced in the lesser circulation, as compared to the greater circulation. Respiratory insufficiency also preceded hemodynamic shifts in the greater circulation and was more pronounced in patients with pulmonary hypertension. In the course of treatment, these patients showed a more significant blood pressure fall in the pulmonary artery and progressively diminishing manifestations of respiratory insufficiency.