Methods for the treatment of patients that are afflicted with pulmonary conditions, such as a pulmonary disease are described. These compounds are useful for treating a variety of hormone-related conditions including contraception, treating or preventing fibroids, endometriosis, dysfunctional bleeding, uterine leiomyomata, polycystic ovary syndrome, or hormone-dependent carcinomas, providing hormone replacement therapy, stimulating food intake or synchronizing estrus. By sensing particulate matter in the post-filter exhaust, filter degradation may be identified. The implantable medical device delivers pacing pulses to the left ventricle to test a plurality of pacing intervals.