Comparing cardiac function and structure and their relationship with exercise capacity between patients with stable COPD and recent acute exacerbation: a cross-sectional study

Author(s)

Mariana Brasil da Cunha Martino Pereira ^[1] ; Viviane Castello-Simões ^[2] ; Alessandro Domingues Heubel ^[3] ; Erika Zavaglia Kabbach ^[4] ; Nathany Souza Schafauser ^[5] ; Meliza Goi Roscani ^[6] ; Audrey Borghi-Silva ^[7] ; Renata Gonçalves Mendes ^[8]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Fisioterapia. Laboratório de Fisioterapia Cardiopulmonar - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Fisioterapia. Laboratório de Fisioterapia Cardiopulmonar - Brasil

^[3] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Fisioterapia. Laboratório de Fisioterapia Cardiopulmonar - Brasil

^[4] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Fisioterapia. Laboratório de Fisioterapia Cardiopulmonar - Brasil

^[5] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Fisioterapia. Laboratório de Fisioterapia Cardiopulmonar - Brasil

^[6] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Medicina - Brasil

^[7] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Fisioterapia. Laboratório de Fisioterapia Cardiopulmonar - Brasil

^[8] Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Departamento de Fisioterapia. Laboratório de Fisioterapia Cardiopulmonar - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia; v. 48, n. 5 2022-11-14.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Patients with COPD are prone to cardiac remodeling; however, little is known about cardiac function in patients recovering from an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and its association with exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac function and structure and to compare their relationship with exercise capacity in patients with a recent AECOPD and patients with clinically stable COPD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 40 COPD patients equally divided into two groups: recent AECOPD group (AEG) and clinically stable COPD group (STG). Echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function and chamber structure. The six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the Duke Activity Status Index (estimated Vo2) were used in order to assess exercise capacity. Results: No significant differences in cardiac function and structure were found between the groups. The 6MWD was associated with early/late diastolic mitral filling velocity ratio (r = 0.50; p < 0.01), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r = −0.33; p = 0.03), and right atrium volume index (r = −0.34; p = 0.04), whereas Vo2 was associated with right atrium volume index (r = −0.40; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Regardless of the clinical condition (recent AECOPD vs. stable COPD), the cardiac function and structure were similar between the groups, and exercise capacity (determined by the 6MWD and Vo2) was associated with cardiac features. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/26501-1 - Study of limiting factors to physical exercise and adjunct effects to rehabilitation on cardiorespiratory disease: a multicentre approach
• Grantee: Audrey Borghi Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants