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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD

11/30/2007

Question:

My mum is 73 years old and has very severe copd. Her condition has worsened the past 8 months,She is on home oxygen but her levls drop as soon as she comes of it. Also her balance is bad and confusion. Complains of pains in her legs also. She has blue tinge to lips and skin when not on oxygen. FEV1 is under 25. Im really worried , could her heart be affected and if so, how long does she have to live ?

Answer:

Although there is significant variability in the life expectancy of patients with COPD, based on the FEV1 you provide the chance of death in the next two years is probably 35-40%.  This risk may be higher if there is heart involvement.  The heart is commonly affected in COPD.  This could be related to low oxygen level or inflammation that occurs in COPD.

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Response by:

Mahasti Rittinger, RRT Mahasti Rittinger, RRT
Clinical Program Manager of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University

Phillip T Diaz, MD Phillip T Diaz, MD
Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University