Hello! A basic review of the heart and lung connection: The heart
and lungs are confined within the chest cavity and share different mechanical
functions. When lung diseases reduce oxygen delivery, it places stress on the
right heart and can potentially cause right heart failure over time. The heart
pumps oxygen-poor blood from the right side into the lungs via the pulmonary
artery, where gas exchange occurs in tiny air sacs called alveoli. Once reoxygenated,
blood returns to the left heart and is pumped to the body. I am not writing
this to alarm you but to inform you that it is important to keep an eye on your
vital signs- your blood pressure, your heart rate, swelling of feet and lower
legs, and your cholesterol levels. Appointments with a cardiologist if your
primary care provider recommends doing so for further diagnostic testing, such
as an echo, a stress test, or other tests. Let us know if you have any specific
questions.