Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with which type of CHF?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with which type of CHF?

• A. Left-sided CHF
• B. Right-sided CHF
• C. Biventricular CHF
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is linked to right-sided heart failure because long-standing lung hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstriction and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. This raises the pressure the right ventricle has to pump against, leading to right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual failure, a condition often called cor pulmonale. In COPD, the primary problem is in the lungs and the right side of the heart, so right-sided CHF is the classic association. Left-sided CHF arises from left ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary edema, not the lung-driven process of COPD, and while both sides can be involved in advanced disease, the best answer reflects the typical relationship.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is linked to right-sided heart failure because long-standing lung hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstriction and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. This raises the pressure the right ventricle has to pump against, leading to right ventricular hypertrophy and eventual failure, a condition often called cor pulmonale. In COPD, the primary problem is in the lungs and the right side of the heart, so right-sided CHF is the classic association. Left-sided CHF arises from left ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary edema, not the lung-driven process of COPD, and while both sides can be involved in advanced disease, the best answer reflects the typical relationship.