The effect of graded increments in positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] on hemodynamics required to ventilate 8 critically ill patients is reported. Acute respiratory insufficiency was a cause of death in only one patient of drug inoxication among the 8 patients studied. The cardiac output was not changed significantly after the increment of PEEP to the level of 20 cm H2O. The heart rate was increased significantly from 15 cm H2O PEEP [P<0.01] as compared to 0 cm H2O PEEP; and the stroke volume was decreased significantly from 15 cm H2O PEEP [P<0.05]. The blood pressure was not affected at any level of PEEP, but the pulmonary artery pressure was elevated significantly at 10 cm H2O PEEP [P<0.01]. The right ventricular transmural filling pressure was not affected at the level of 10 cm H2O PEEP, but from 15 cm H2O PEEP it was increased significantly. With the increment of PEEP, the left ventricular stroke work index was decreased slightly; and at 20 cm H2O PEEP, it was decreased significantly. The right ventricular stroke work index was increased only at 10 cm H2O PEEP. The systemic vascular resistance was decreased significantly from 15 cm H2O PEEP [P<0.01].