ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN EASTERN INDIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND COPD is characterized by chronic airflow limitation and a range of pathological changes in the lungs. In addition, COPD presents significant extrapulmonary effects and is associated with important comorbidities that may contribute to the disease severity. COPD affects pulmonary blood vessels, right ventricle, as well as left ventricle leading to the development of pulmonary hypertension, cor-pulmonale, right ventricular dysfunction, and left ventricular dysfunction. This study was undertaken to evaluate cardiac function with ECG and echocardiography in COPD patients which may further help to assess the prognosis and identifying the individuals likely to suffer increase morbidity and mortality. METHODS An observational, cross sectional study was conducted among 100 patients attending the Department of General Medicine of Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, diagnosed as having COPD wherein detailed history taking and clinical examination was done along with routine investigations such as complete blood count, renal functions, randomized blood sugar and further for a Chest X-ray, electrocardiography, and two-dimensional (2D)-echocardiography. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 19.0. RESULTS Majority of the COPD patients were male and belonged to GOLD stage 2. The most electrocardiographic finding was P-Pulmonale and Echocardiographic finding was PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) with maximum patients having mild PAH. Most common clinical finding was pedal edema. Severity of the disease was found to have linear relation with severity of cardiac complications. CONCLUSION There is significant involvement of the cardiovascular system in COPD patients. The electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings had linear relation with the severity of the disease. It is mandatory to investigate all the COPD patients with ECG and 2D ECHO as it aids in early detection and treatment of cor pulmonale.