non-cachectic sedentary patients

moderate-to-severe COPD according to GOLD classification (FEV1/ FVC \<0.7 and predicted post-bronchodilator FEV1 between 30% and 80%)

no clinical or echocardiographic evidence of HF for the COPD group

echocardiographic evidence of HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (\<40%) for the overlap group

chronic dyspnoea (MRC scale score 2-4)

NYHA class 2 or 3.

Heart Failure Worsens Muscle Strength in COPD