Question

Why do patients with COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis (and cystic fibrosis) often develop right ventricular failure?

Answer 1

Patients with COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases has low oxygen levels(chronic hypoxemia). This results in a rise in blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs inorder to meet the oxygen requirement and is called pulmonary hypertension. Thie increase in pressure places excess strain on the hearts right ventricle(as afterload is increases) and thus the right ventricle work more to overcome the afterload. Eventually the muscle weakens and right ventricular failure occurs.