Amanda Newton-BrownPathophysiology 370October 1, 2015COPD Case StudyWhat are the likely clinical outcomes of RS, due to its COPD? Many clinical findings may be problematic for RS, due to his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is composed of two closely related diseases, namely chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Polycythemia is an important consequence of COPD, which is an abnormally high concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, either by reduction in plasma volume or by an increase in the number of red blood cells (Mayoclinic, 2015). He has elevated PaCO2 and HCO3 levels, indicating partially compensated respiratory acidosis. RS suffers from chronic bronchitis COPD type B, also calling it "blue bloat", which may cause him to experience symptoms of peripheral edema, elevated hemoglobin, dyspnea, chest tightness, cyanosis, breathing wheezing and persistent cough. Symptoms of dyspnea, cough, cyanosis, and wheezing result from changes in the smooth muscle of the bronchi and congestion of the alveoli. These patients' extreme cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can result in cor pulmonale, increased vascular resistance, and right heart failure, accompanied by reduced left ventricular filling, left ventricular stroke volume, and cardiac output. COPD and left heart failure are not directly related. However, the two conditions can influence each other. For example, low blood oxygen levels due to COPD can put excess strain on the heart, making left-sided heart failure worse. Excess fluid in the lungs from heart failure can make breathing even more difficult for a person with COPD (WebMd.com). Smoking increases heart and lung problems, which is one of the main reasons why patients with respiratory disease quit smoking, as it also affects the