Arm Span to Height Ratio Is Related to Severity of Dyspnea, Reduced Spirometry Volumes, and Right Heart Strain

We have found a significant association between increased arm span to height ratio, reduced respiratory airflow volumes, increased severity of dyspnea, and echocardiographic features of pulmonary heart disease in a group of predominantly elderly subjects with multiple comorbidities. The role of arm span measurements in assessments of airflow volumes in older patients and the association between loss of height and dyspnea now deserve further evaluation.