Studies in animals have shown that inhalation of particles can lead to weakening of the heart muscle. In addition, patients who have developed pulmonary disease from inhalation of particulate matter may develop increased pressures in the pulmonary arteries, as well as dysfunction of the right ventricle of the heart. Finally, patients who have suffered blockage of the coronary arteries may exhibit abnormalities in the heart function that may be detected by an echocardiogram.