Association of N-terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Electrocardiogram Changes With the Severity of Airflow Narrowing and Exercise Tolerance in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

In stable COPD, advancing airflow limitation is associated with rising NT-proBNP, increasing ECG evidence of right heart strain, and declining exercise tolerance. NT-proBNP and simple ECG markers, alongside functional testing, may aid the early detection of cardiovascular involvement in COPD and help risk-stratify patients for closer cardiopulmonary evaluation and management.