Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema, an anatomically defined condition characterized by destruction and enlargement of the lung alveoli. The present study was conducted to assess right ventricular changes in COPD patients and its correlation with severity of disease. Materials & Methods: 65 patients of COPD of both genders. Pulmonary function tests were done in all patients and patients were graded according to the severity of COPD with guidelines given by Global initiative for obstructive lung disease (GOLD). Results: Severity of COPD was mild in 8, moderate in 12, severe in 20 and very severe in 25 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Echo findings such as cor pulmonale PAH, LVDD, RVSD, LVH correlated with disease severity (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that right ventricular changes in COPD patients correlated with severity of disease. Key words: COPD, Pulmonary function, right ventricular.