Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Assessment in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly affects both respiratory and cardiovascular systems.Cardiac dysfunctions-often undiagnosed-contribute substantially to morbidity in COPD patients.To evaluate the prevalence and pattern of electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic abnormalities in COPD patients, and their correlation with disease severity.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 250 spirometry-confirmed COPD patients across all severity stages.Standard 12-lead ECG and echocardiographic evaluations were performed.ECG assessed arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and QTc prolongation, while echocardiography examined right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH).Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariate regression.Results: Out of 250 patients (mean age 60.4 years; 60% female), ECG abnormalities were noted in 25% (arrhythmia), 18% (conduction defects), and 10% (QTc prolongation).Echocardiography revealed RV hypertrophy in 30% and PAH in 23%.A significant association existed between COPD severity and cardiac abnormalities.For instance, RV hypertrophy rose from 5% in mild to 68% in very severe cases (p=0.02); and PAH from 4% to 67% (p=0.01).Regression analysis identified reduced FEV1/FVC ratio, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus as independent predictors of RV hypertrophy and arrhythmia.Conclusion: Cardiac dysfunction increases with COPD severity.Routine ECG and echocardiographic screening should be integrated into COPD management to detect early cardiovascular complications and guide timely interventions.