Complications of COPD
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COPD can lead to elevated blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary hypertension.
“People with COPD often have low levels of oxygen in the blood, which is known as hypoxia,” says Dr. Pistenmaa. “Over time, hypoxia can cause the vessels [between the heart and lungs and within the lungs] to constrict, which increases the pressure in those arteries.” Eventually, even mildly low oxygen levels can lead to pulmonary hypertension, she adds.
Emphysema, which causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs, can also destroy small blood vessels in the lungs, which then increases pressure in other vessels.
As pulmonary hypertension progresses, other symptoms include:
- Ankle and leg swelling
- Bluish color of the lips or skin
- Chest pain or pressure, most often in the front of the chest
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Fatigue
- Increased abdomen size
- Weakness
Mild pulmonary hypertension typically doesn’t require any treatments other than management of the underlying COPD, says Pistenmaa. That said, if your blood oxygen levels are low at rest or while exercising, supplemental oxygen may help reduce the stress on the heart.
RELATED: 7 Ways to Ease Emphysema Symptoms
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