Advanced COPD is associated with _______ sided heart failure

Advanced COPD is associated with _______ sided heart failure

• A. Left
• B. Biventricular
• C. Right
• D. No heart failure

Answer: (C)

Advanced COPD often leads to cor pulmonale, a form of right‑sided heart failure. Chronic low oxygen levels cause the pulmonary arteries to constrict and remodel, raising the pressure the right ventricle must pump against. Over time the right ventricle dilates and weakens, resulting in right‑sided heart failure. This produces venous congestion signs such as leg edema, jugular venous distension, hepatomegaly, and sometimes ascites. Left‑sided failure isn’t the typical direct outcome of COPD, which is why the most likely associated heart failure is on the right.

Advanced COPD often leads to cor pulmonale, a form of right‑sided heart failure. Chronic low oxygen levels cause the pulmonary arteries to constrict and remodel, raising the pressure the right ventricle must pump against. Over time the right ventricle dilates and weakens, resulting in right‑sided heart failure. This produces venous congestion signs such as leg edema, jugular venous distension, hepatomegaly, and sometimes ascites. Left‑sided failure isn’t the typical direct outcome of COPD, which is why the most likely associated heart failure is on the right.