title: Cardiovascular function in pulmonary emphysema.
abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias, have a strong influence on each other, and systemic inflammation has been considered as the main linkage between them. On the other hand, airflow limitation may markedly affect lung mechanics in terms of static and dynamic hyperinflation, especially in pulmonary emphysema, and they can in turn influence cardiac performance as well. Skeletal mass depletion, which is a common feature in COPD especially in pulmonary emphysema patients, may have also a role in cardiovascular function of these patients, irrespective of lung damage. We reviewed the emerging evidence that highlights the role of lung mechanics and muscle mass impairment on ventricular volumes, stroke volume, and stroke work at rest and on exercise in the presence of pulmonary emphysema. Patients with emphysema may differ among COPD population even in terms of cardiovascular function.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Disease & Lung Function Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Padiglione Rasori, Via G. Rasori 10, 43125 Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Dina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Visca
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Disease & Lung Function Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Padiglione Rasori, Via G. Rasori 10, 43125 Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aiello
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Disease & Lung Function Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Padiglione Rasori, Via G. Rasori 10, 43125 Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chetta
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*