The Effect of Respiratory Functions and Pulmonary Artery Pressure on Right and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate of biventricular diastolic function and to investigate the effect of pulmonary function and pulmonary artery pressure on diastolic functions in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with COPD and 40 healthy individuals were assessed by echocardiography and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were determined. Correlation and regression analysis were performed to investigate the relationship between FEV1, FEV1/FVC, mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAB) and diastolic function parameters. Results: Right ventricular diameter and free wall thickness and mitral E/mitral septal annulus E' were higher whereas tricuspid E and E/A, tricuspid lateral annulus E' and E'/A', mitral septal annulus E' and E'/A' values were lower in the COPD group (all p values of < 0.05). FEV1 was positively correlated with lateral tricuspid annulus E' and E'/A'. Tricuspid E/A, tricuspid lateral annulus E' and E'/A', mitral septal annulus E' and E'/A' values were positively correlated with FEV1/FVC, whereas negatively correlated with MPAB. Mitral E/mitral annulus septal E' was negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC, and positively correlated with MPAB. FEV1/FVC was decisive for tricuspid lateral annulus E' and E'/A', mitral annulus septal E' and E'/A' values. Conclusion: Right and left ventricular diastolic function are impaired in patients with COPD. Chronic hypoxia and increased pulmonary pressure are important factors in the development of diastolic dysfunction in patients with COPD.