ABSTRACT
Many studies have demonstrated normal left ventricular (LV) function in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The results of other studies, however, indicate the presence of LV dysfunction in these patients. The role of COPD in the genesis of LV dysfunction remains controversial. Furthermore, uncertainty still exists as to whether chronic right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and overloading can give rise to alterations in the LV structure and function (1,2). In some patients with COPD, RV hypertrophy is accompanied by LV hypertrophy, and LV dysfunction may exist in the absence of any known causes of LV failure (2).
