PREVALENCE OF LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Abstract

Introduction
Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) often coexists with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), contributing to greater morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the prevalence of LVD in patients diagnosed with COPD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 200 participants: 100 patients with COPD without known cardiovascular disease and 100 controls. All participants underwent clinical assessment, electrocardiography (ECG), spirometry, and transthoracic echocardiography, incorporating both standard and tissue Doppler techniques. Left ventricular function was evaluated using left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), E/A ratio, E/e′ ratio, left atrial volume index (LAVI), and peak tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity. Participants were analyzed according to their respiratory and left ventricular function parameters.

Results

The prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was higher in COPD patients (21%) than in controls (6%) (p = 0.003). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was also more common among individuals with COPD, occurring in 42% of patients compared with 19% of controls (p < 0.001). FEV₁ showed a negative correlation with LVEF (r = -0.34, p < 0.01) and a positive correlation with GOLD stage (r = 0.41, p < 0.001). LVD was identified as an independent predictor of COPD (OR: 3.67; 95% CI 1.74–7.76, p < 0.001).  

Conclusion

LVD had a higher prevalence in patients with COPD, especially with increased disease severity. Routine cardiac screening in these patients can help detect and manage coexisting LVD and improve disease outcome.