CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE WITH REFERENCE TO 2D ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FINDINGS

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the disease of lungs primarily but also produces significant systemic consequences like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). COPD results in chronic hypoxemia consequently which causes PAH. PAH then leads to corpulmonale and right ventricular failure late in the course of the COPD. 2D echocardiography is probably the best technique to measure tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary arterial pressure non-invasively.

Material and Methods: 50 cases above the age of 18 years admitted with signs and symptoms of COPD in our hospital over a period of two years were taken. Diagnosis of COPD was made on basis of history, signs and symptoms, supported by spirometry, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and radiological data. 2D echocardiography was performed on these patients to detect the presence of tricuspid regurgitation, PAH, right ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular dilatation and right ventricular failure.

Results: Emphysema and chronic bronchitis was present in 38% and 62% respectively. Echocardiographic evidence of cor-pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension was found in 70% of the patients.

Conclusions: Echocardiography is more sensitive than electrocardiography in detecting PAH and right ventricular dysfunction in COPD.