Airflow limitation in COPD is associated with increased left ventricular wall stress in coincident heart failure

The pressure gradient transmitting distending forces on the left ventricular (LV) wall is influenced by intraventricular luminal pressure [Plum] and surrounding thoracic pressure [Pthoracic]. Respiration with airflow limitation is assumed to increase the negative pleural pressure and thereby the transmural pressure gradient. Airflow limitation in COPD was correlated with increased LV wall stress in coincident heart failure.226