Abstract

COPD is usually described as a disease of cigarette smoking epidemiological studies show that 5-12% of subjects with COPD are non-smokers. This study was undertaken to study the clinical profile of COPD and to evaluate pulmonary hypertension in them. Methods: Fifty patients who had post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.7 were selected and detailed history was taken and severity of pulmonary hypertension was evaluated in them by non-invasive methods like ECG, and 2D Echocardiography. Results: Of 50 patients, majority in age group 61-70 years, 76% were males,84% patients were from rural areas, cough and breathlessness were the predominant complaints.75% were smokers and had smoking history of 21-30 years. Elevated jugular venous pressure, cyanosis, pedal oedema were present in majority of patients. ECG findings were pulmonale, right axis deviation, deep S waves in V5/V6. 77% patients had severe and 23% had moderate Pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion: Smoking and exposure to various dusts and allergens are the major risk factors in causation of COPD. Chronic hypoxia leads to development of pulmonary hypertension in long lasting COPD patients which is moderate to severe

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