Right Ventricular Morphology and Function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Living at High Altitude

Guvenc T. S. , Erer H. B. , Kul Ş., Perincek G., Ilhan S., Sayar N., ...More

HEART LUNG AND CIRCULATION, vol.22, no.1, pp.31-37, 2013 (Peer-Reviewed Journal) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 22 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.hlc.2012.08.004
  • Journal Name: HEART LUNG AND CIRCULATION
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded, Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.31-37
  • Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Right ventricle, High altitude, Echocardiography, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, HYPERTENSION, MECHANISMS, HEART, MODEL, COPD

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary vasculature is affected in patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD). As a result of increased pulmonary resistance, right ventricular morphology and function are altered in COPD patients. High altitude and related hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstriction, thereby affecting the right ventricle. We aimed to investigate the combined effects of COPD and altitude-related chronic hypoxia on right ventricular morphology and function.