ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVALENCE OF BRONCHOPULMONARY AND CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY IN PATIENTS WITH FIRST DETECTED TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

Chronic heart failure (CHF) and bronchial asthma (BA) are among the most prevalent chronic diseases that significantly impair quality of life and increase mortality. Their coexistence leads to mutual pathophysiological aggravation and diagnostic complexity. This study aimed to assess the clinical and functional characteristics of patients with CHF combined with BA. A total of 60 patients (28 men and 32 women) aged 45–75 years with verified CHF and BA were examined. Clinical evaluation included NYHA functional class assessment, echocardiography, and spirometry. Seventy percent of patients had NYHA class II and 30% class III CHF. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 43 ± 6%, while the mean FEV₁ was 68 ± 9% of predicted values. Pulmonary hypertension was observed in 65% of patients. A significant negative correlation was found between FEV₁ and pulmonary artery pressure (r = −0.54, p < 0.05). Patients with lower FEV₁ demonstrated higher NYHA class and lower exercise tolerance. These findings indicate that the coexistence of CHF and BA exacerbates both cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction, highlighting the need for an integrated treatment approach.