Prevalence of Risk Factors Contributing to Cardiovascular Pathology in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is recognized worldwide as one of the most common respiratory pathologies. Its global prevalence is estimated at 10–13%, and it ranks third among diseases leading to disability. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of integral risk factors on the development of combined cardiovascular and respiratory pathology in patients with the bronchitic phenotype of COPD. Participants and Methods. A total of 120 patients with the bronchitic phenotype of COPD, classified into categories B and E according to the current international GOLD classification, were examined. Blood pressure was measured by the auscultatory method after rest, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as body weight/height² (kg/m²). Parameters of lipid metabolism were assessed, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Special attention was given to smoking history: the duration of smoking (in years) was recorded, and an integrated smoking index was calculated based on the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. Statistical analysis was performed using both parametric and non-parametric tests, with a significance threshold of p ≤ 0.05. Results. Elevated values of major risk factors with an integral impact were identified among the studied patients. Both smoking duration and smoking index significantly exceeded accepted limits, confirming a marked detrimental effect of tobacco smoke on the bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular systems. The mean BMI corresponded to the first degree of obesity, further increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Lipid profile analysis revealed hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated LDL levels, indicative of dyslipidemia. Most patients demonstrated increased blood pressure consistent with arterial hypertension; however, no statistically significant differences were observed between patients in categories B and E. Conclusions. Patients with the bronchitic phenotype of COPD exhibit a high prevalence of integral risk factors that contribute to both the progression of respiratory impairment and the development of cardiovascular pathology. The leading factors include long-term smoking, elevated BMI, increased blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. The combined influence of these factors significantly raises the risk of comorbid conditions, ultimately leading to higher rates of morbidity, disability, and mortality.