Key result
COPD linked to ~94% greater CIMT versus non-COPD smokers, indicating increased atherosclerosis risk.
Why the study?
It is unclear if there is a pathogenic link between cardiovascular diseases and COPD, or whether the association between atherosclerosis and COPD depends on smoking status.
Does COPD increase carotid intima-media thickness compared to non-COPD smokers?
Cross-Sectional (n=60)
Examiner blinded to clinical data
No
Does COPD increase carotid intima-media thickness compared to non-COPD smokers?
Absolute Event Rate: 1.263% vs 0.65%
p-value: p=0.000
COPD patients have significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness compared to non-COPD smokers, indicating an increased risk of atherosclerosis independent of smoking status.
May heighten atherosclerosis concern in COPD beyond smoking; hypothesis-generating and leaves causal links open.
It is unclear if there is a pathogenic link between cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The assessment of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the presence of carotid plaques by carotid ultrasonography are considered surrogate markers for atherosclerosis. Although smoking is an important factor, it is not clear if the association between atherosclerosis and COPD depends on smoking status. This study aims to evaluate the atherosclerosis risk in COPD patients in comparison with non-COPD smokers. This study was cross-sectional analytical study, carried out in the Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University during the period between March 2024 to March 2025.The study included 30 COPD patients recruited from outpatient chest clinic and inpatients in chest department and 30 non- COPD smokers (Control) group. All participants were subjected to full history taking, smoking history, dyspnea score, spirometry and carotid artery ultrasound. The mean Carotid intima-media thickness in COPD patients was 1.263 ± 0.57 compared with 0.650 ± 0.163 in control group with p value 0.00. COPD patients exhibited significantly higher CIMT compared to non-COPD smokers, suggesting a higher likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. Our study contributes to our understanding of cardiovascular risk in COPD patients by demonstrating increased carotid intima-media thickness and its potential relationship with pulmonary function. The findings highlight the need of comprehensive cardiovascular screening in COPD management and highlight the complex interplay between respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
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Saïd et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Male patients aged ≥40 years with ≥10 pack years smoking history, comparing COPD diagnosed per GOLD 2024 criteria with post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.7 versus non-COPD smokers without hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia (n=60). COPD diagnosis group vs. Non-COPD smokers was evaluated on Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measured by ultrasonography (p=0.000). COPD patients had significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness (1.263±0.57 mm) compared to non-COPD smokers (0.650±0.163 mm), p=0.000, indicating increased atherosclerosis risk.
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