Abstract Background: Currently, excess ventilation has been grounded under the relationship between minute-ventilation/carbon dioxide output (). Alternatively, a new approach for ventilatory efficiency () has been published. Objective: Our main hypothesis is that comparatively low levels of between chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are attainable for a similar level of maximum and submaximal aerobic performance, conversely to long-established methods ( slope and intercept). Methods: Both groups performed lung function tests, echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. […]

Abstract Background Exertional dyspnea is a common complaint of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HFpEF is common in COPD and is an independent risk factor for disease progression and exacerbation. Early detection, therefore, has great clinical relevance. Objectives The aim of the study is to detect the frequency of masked HFpEF in non-severe COPD patients with exertional dyspnea, free of overt cardiovascular disease, and to analyze the correlation between masked […]

Abstract Background Non-dipper blood pressure is defined by less than a 10% reduction in nighttime blood pressure, and it is associated with cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-dipper blood pressure pattern, and both diseases are associated with lower quality of life. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-dipper blood pressure pattern in patients with COPD. Methods A cross-sectional study […]

Abstract The finding of pulmonary hypertension (PH) by echocardiography is common and of concern. However, echocardiography is just a suggestive and non-diagnostic assessment of PH. When direct involvement of pulmonary circulation is suspected, invasive hemodynamic monitoring is recommended to establish the diagnosis. This assessent provides, in addition to the diagnostic confirmation, the correct identification of the vascular territory predominantly involved (arterial pulmonary or postcapillary). Treatment with specific medication for PH (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists and prostacyclin analogues) […]

A 61-year-old female patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and no other comorbidities, was referred for cardiological assessment due to aggravated exertional dyspnea (New York Heart Association – NYHA class III) and atypical chest pain. Physical examination disclosed only a diastolic murmur in the second intercostal space in the right sternal border. The transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed aortic regurgitation (), with non-dilated cardiac chambers and preserved biventricular function. The acoustic window limited the evaluation of the valvular lesion severity and […]