Left Ventricular Geometry in COPD Patients: ARE THERE ASSOCIATIONS WITH AIRFLOW LIMITATION, FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY, AND GRIP STRENGTH?

PURPOSE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and abnormalities of left ventricular (LV) geometry often coexist. This study aimed to verify whether LV geometry is associated with airflow obstruction, functional capacity, and grip strength in COPD patients. METHODS Thirty-seven COPD patients (GOLD II, III, and IV) were allocated to three groups according to LV geometry as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography: normal (n = 13), concentric LV remodeling (n = 8), and concentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) (n = 16). Lung function was assessed using spirometry. The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) was used to estimate functional capacity, and grip strength measurement was performed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. RESULTS The concentric LVH group presented lower DASI scores (P = .045) and grip strength (P = .006) when compared with the normal group. Correlations analysis showed the following: relative wall thickness negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in the first second (r = -0.380; P = .025) and DASI score (r = -0.387, P = .018); LV mass index negatively correlated with grip strength (r = -0.363, P = .038). CONCLUSIONS In COPD patients, LV geometry is associated with airflow limitation, functional capacity, and grip strength. Specifically, concentric LV remodeling is associated with increased airflow limitation and decreased functional capacity whereas increased LV mass is associated with decreased grip strength.