Electrocardiographic changes in Emphysema

摘要

Chronic obstructive lung disease(COPD),predominantly emphysema,causes several thoracic anatomical and hemodynamic changes which may cause changes in various electrocardiographic parameters.A 12-lead electrocardiogram(ECG),which is often a part of routine evaluation in most clinical settings,may serve as a useful screening modality for diagnosis of COPD or emphysema.Our current article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the electrocardiographic changes encountered in COPD/emphysema utilizing published PubMed and Medline literature database.Several important ECG changes are present in COPD/emphysema and may serve as a good diagnostic tool.Verticalization of Pvector,changes in QRS duration,pattern recognition of precordial R-wave progression and axial shifts can be considered some of the most valuable markers among other changes.In conclusion,12-lead surface electrocardiogram can serve as a valuable tool for the diagnosis of COPD and/or emphysema.An appropriate knowledge of these ECG changes can not only help in the diagnosis but can also immensely help in an appropriate clinical management of these patients.