A Study on the Echocardiographic Assessment of Pulmonary Hypertension in Female Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients – A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important health concern not only in males but also in females. It can lead to life-threatening complications like pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study uses echocardiographic parameters to diagnose PH, and also a 6-min walk test to assess the functional capacity of patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital over a span of 3 months. Thirty-six female patients diagnosed with COPD as per the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease staging underwent an echocardiogram to diagnose PH. These patients also underwent a six-minute walk test to assess their functional capacity. Results: Around 80% of patients did not show any echocardiographic features of PH; 4% of patients belonged to the severe PH category. Females with a COPD duration of more than 10 years exhibited features of PH with a significant P < 0.01. Among 36 patients, 23 were able to complete the 6-min walk test. Patients with severe PH were not able to complete the test. Conclusion: This study shows a significant correlation between the duration of COPD and the severity of PH. Hence, early diagnosis using echocardiography and appropriate management of PH will improve the morbidity and mortality of such patients.