What are the physiologic changes typically observed in patients with COPD?

In patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), several key physiological changes occur, significantly impacting their respiratory function and overall health.

The presence of ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatches is a hallmark of COPD due to the destruction of alveolar walls and air trapping, which can lead to uneven distribution of airflow and blood flow in the lungs. This mismatch is a major factor in the impaired gas exchange seen in individuals with COPD, resulting in lowered oxygen levels in the blood and elevated carbon dioxide levels.

Additionally, COPD often leads to increased pulmonary resistance due to airway narrowing and inflammation, contributing to pulmonary hypertension, which is a sustained increase in blood pressure within the pulmonary arteries. Over time, this increased pressure can strain the right ventricle of the heart, potentially leading to right heart failure, known as cor pulmonale. These changes create a vicious cycle whereby the heart struggles to pump effectively due to increased workload, further compromising oxygenation and leading to increased respiratory symptoms.

The other options do not accurately reflect the physiological changes observed in COPD. COPD is characterized by decreased lung compliance and increased airway resistance rather than improved ventilatory responses or increased tidal volumes; thus, the changes associated with COPD primarily lead to a reduction in overall lung function and