You probably already know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. However, you may not realize that the third leading cause is chronic lower respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What’s more, you may not realize that the two are often connected and that the symptoms they cause can be strikingly similar. Shortness of breath, for instance, is a hallmark sign that is often associated with both of these conditions.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a condition that happens when the heart turns out to be excessively frail, making it impossible to adequately direct blood out to whatever is left of the body. Thusly, liquid levels develop and blood can go down into both the heart and lungs, prompting shortness of breath. For most CHF patients, trouble breathing does not happen when they are very still, but rather even little measures of effort can make side effects start.
COPD and congestive heart failure are two different conditions that may present with similar symptoms. However, there are two other forms of heart failure, left-sided and right-sided, which may be directly related to or exacerbated by the presence of COPD.
COPD and Left-Sided Heart Failure
There is not a direct connection between COPD and left-sided heart failure. However, the two conditions can exist together and exacerbate one another. COPD can cause low oxygen levels in the blood, thereby placing additional stress on the heart and worsening symptoms of left-sided heart failure. On the other hand, left-sided heart failure can contribute to fluid buildup in the lungs, aggravating the symptoms of COPD.
In severe cases of COPD, the condition can actually cause the development of right-sided heart failure. This occurs when low oxygen levels due to COPD cause a rise in blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary hypertension. This increase in pressure places excess strain on the heart’s right ventricle as it works to pump blood through the lungs. As a result, the heart muscle weakens and right-sided heart failure can occur.
COPD and heart failure are both dangerous health conditions, and while they often occur independently, it is also important to understand the connections between the two. If you have previously been diagnosed with COPD, you should be aware of the increased risk of heart failure. And, if you are a smoker, you need to understand that you are at a higher risk for developing both of these diseases. In any case, the medical expertise of a cardiologist should be sought in order to monitor existing conditions and help ensure heart health.
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I'm 59 years old and female. I was diagnosed a couple of months ago with COPD and I was beyond scared! My lung function test indicated 49% capacity. After having had flu a year ago, the shortness of breath, coughing and chest pains continued even after being treated with antibiotics. I've been smoking two packs a day for 36 years. Being born without a sternum caused my ribs to be curled in just one inch away from my spine, resulting to underdeveloped lungs. At age 34 I had surgery and it was fixed. Unfortunately my smoking just caused more damage to my already under developed lungs. The problem was having is that I enjoy smoking and don't want to give up! Have tried twice before and nearly went crazy and don't want to go through that again. I saw the fear in my husband and children's eyes when I told them about my condition then they start to find solution on their own to help my condition.I am an 59 now who was diagnose COPD emphysema which I know was from my years of smoking. I started smoking in school when smoking was socially acceptable. I remember when smoking was permitted in hospitals. It was not known then how dangerous cigarettes were for us, and it seemed everybody smoked but i was able to get rid of my Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) condition through the help of total cure herbal foundation my husband bought https://totalcureherbalfou5.wixsite.com/herbal has the right herbal formula to help you get rid and repair any lung conditions and cure you totally with their natural organic herbs. I wish anybody who starts smoking at a young age would realize what will eventually happen to their bodies if they continue that vile habit throughout their life.
ReplyDeleteI started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their email at ultimatehealthhome@gmail.com . I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!
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