What is a common EKG finding in a COPD exacerbation?

In patients experiencing a COPD exacerbation, a common EKG finding is right axis deviation. This is primarily due to the changes in the heart's position and structure that can occur as a result of chronic lung disease. COPD often leads to hypoxia and pulmonary hypertension, which can strain the right side of the heart. As a consequence, the heart may shift and the electrical axis can deviate to the right, reflecting this underlying strain. Right axis deviation is a helpful indicator suggesting that the right ventricle is under pressure and can serve as a supportive finding in the clinical assessment of a patient with COPD exacerbation.

While sinus tachycardia can also be seen in exacerbations due to factors like hypoxemia or anxiety, it is not as specific to COPD as right axis deviation. Left bundle branch block and ST elevation are typically associated with other cardiac conditions, primarily involving the coronary arteries or other structural heart changes. Thus, right axis deviation stands out as a common and significant EKG alteration specifically linked to the pathophysiological changes in COPD exacerbations.