A GOLD Science Committee Perspective on Exacerbations and Cardiovascular Risk In COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have shared risk factors and mechanisms. CVDs are highly prevalent in COPD patients. Additionally, the risk of suffering a cardiovascular (CV) event is increased following an exacerbation and remains elevated for months afterwards. This link between exacerbations and increased CV risk further highlights the importance of preventing exacerbations. Clinical management during and after exacerbations regarding the prevention of CV events remains to be optimised. CV events occur in patients with COPD who have not previously been diagnosed with CVD. Conventional CV risk tools have historically underestimated the risk of CV events in patients with COPD. All patients with COPD should be investigated for CVDs and markers of CV risk should be assessed at the time of COPD exacerbations. Improving survival in COPD depends on reducing the risk of exacerbations, particularly severe exacerbations, addressing identified CV risk factors and managing CVDs when identified according to guidelines.