Experiments show that the right ventricle is weakened to the point of irreversible failure by decreased coronary artery pressure and also demonstrate that augmented coronary artery pressure can cause a remarkable increment of the right ventricular strength. Both ventricles, even when in otherwise irreversible decompensation, can be restored to full functional competence by various maneuvers which augment coronary blood flow. The studies reported appear to have important clinical applications in the treatment of circulatory disturbances of the right ventricle.