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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Will Copd Cause Heart Damage?

My husband has copd and it has developed into very cronic copd in the last year. He s had it for 17 years. Today he mentioned that his right ankle was sore. He wears compression socks to control swelling as he develops water retention and takes a fluid pill for this. Upon taking his socks off we discovered that his ankle was somewhat swollen, and just above this was a big red blotch area of skin that was very red and sore to walk on or touch. He s a very tall man and has been walking a lot in our home to get exercise, as he can t go out. He s had a couple of bad exacerbations in the last year, and his doctor said that he could have small damage to his heart. Should be contact his physician or a health professional asap? What can we do in the meantime until we can contact his Doctor....(it s Sunday, wouldn t you know). Thanks for any help.
Tue, 3 Feb 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi there

COPD leads to increased Pulmonary vessel pressure which in turn will require the heart to function harder to help get enough blood into the lungs for oxygenation. The cardiac size in COPD patients are therefore usually enlarged as a compensation. Your husband is likely suffering from Congestive Cardiac Failure. His exercise should be done with a pulse monitor to make sure he is not over exerting himself.

Other symptoms experience by CCF patients are PND(Paroxysmal norcturnal dyspnoea) where the patients wakes up at night for air, frequent urination and a decrease in the distance he is able to walk.

Try propping his bed(Head side) up at night and having him raise his feet when he is not exercising.
I would also revisit his medications and look at possible increasing the dosage of his diuretic(Fluid pill)
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Will Copd Cause Heart Damage?

Hi there COPD leads to increased Pulmonary vessel pressure which in turn will require the heart to function harder to help get enough blood into the lungs for oxygenation. The cardiac size in COPD patients are therefore usually enlarged as a compensation. Your husband is likely suffering from Congestive Cardiac Failure. His exercise should be done with a pulse monitor to make sure he is not over exerting himself. Other symptoms experience by CCF patients are PND(Paroxysmal norcturnal dyspnoea) where the patients wakes up at night for air, frequent urination and a decrease in the distance he is able to walk. Try propping his bed(Head side) up at night and having him raise his feet when he is not exercising. I would also revisit his medications and look at possible increasing the dosage of his diuretic(Fluid pill)