Complications

COPD hypoxia makes breathing difficult, and it affects more than just the lungs.

When you can’t breathe in enough oxygen, your blood is deprived of this vital
component. Oxygen is necessary for your body to be able to carry out basic
functions. For example, hypoxia can have serious effects on your heart and brain
health.

Hypercapnia
Hypoxia can also lead to a condition called hypercapnia. This occurs when the lungs
retain too much carbon dioxide due to breathing difficulties.

When you can’t breathe in, it’s likely you won’t be able to breathe out as you
should. This may elevate your carbon dioxide levels in your bloodstream, which can
be deadly. An imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body is more likely as
COPD progresses.

Other complications
Untreated chronic COPD hypoxia may also lead to:

depression and other mood disorders

fatigue
headache
confusion
high blood pressure (hypertension)
pulmonary hypertension
increased heart rate
heart failure
acute respiratory failure
secondary polycythemia, which is an abnormal increase in the number of red blood
cells (RBCs)

HEALTHLINE RESOURCE
TRANSFORM: Health Equity
We believe in health equity — the equal opportunity for everyone to live their
healthiest life. Volunteer your time to transform your community and join us in
creating a healthier world — for everyone.