Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Association With Disease Severity

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induces signicant cardiopulmonary interactions that lead to structural and functional alterations in both right and left ventricular performance, along with pulmonary vascular remodelling. Cardiac impairment constitutes a primary determinant of reduced survival in COPD patients. Doppler echocardiography provides an effective bedside modality for comprehensive evaluation of these cardiovascular changes. Aims: The primary aim of this investigation was to dene the pattern of echocardiographic abnormalities present in patients with COPD and to evaluate their correlation with progressively worsening stages of the disease. Materials and Methods:We performed a prospective observational study of 40 consecutively enrolled COPD patients stratied according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) spirometry criteria. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination was conducted to assess ventricular function, pulmonary pressures, and structural cardiac changes. Results: Echocardiographic parameters remained within normal limits in 50% of participants. Hemodynamically signicant tricuspid regurgitation was demonstrated in 67.5% of cases (n=27). Pulmonary hypertension, dened as systolic pulmonary artery pressure >30 mmHg, was identied in 42.5% of the total cohort (n=17), with stratication revealing mild (58.8%), moderate (23.5%), and severe (17.6%) presentations. A marked gradation in PH prevalence corresponded with advancing COPD severity: stage I (16.7%), stage II (54.5%), stage III (60.0%), and stage IV (83.3%). Right atrial pressure estimation indicated normal values in 82.5% of participants. Cor pulmonale was evident in 41.2% of patients with established Pulmonary hypertension. Left ventricular assessment demonstrated diastolic impairment (47.5%), concentric hypertrophy (22.5%), and systolic dysfunction (7.5%). Conclusion:The development and progression of pulmonary hypertension exhibits direct correlation with advancing COPD severity, while severe pulmonary hypertension demonstrates consistent association with right ventricular failure. Echocardiographic surveillance permits early identication of cardiac complications, providing critical opportunities for therapeutic intervention in COPD management.