This review highlights that airflow limitation is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in COPD patients, with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress acting as pathophysiological links.
COPD is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, driven by systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and platelet activation, with statins and inhaled corticosteroids as potential risk-reducing therapies.
Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery disease (CAD), are the leading causes of death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a high prevalence of common risk factors in the COPD/CAD patient population including smoking, sedentary lifestyle and low socio-economic status. However, various studies have shown that airflow limitation is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and increased platelet activation have been widely reported to be pathophysiological links between COPD and atherosclerosis. Statins and inhaled corticosteroids have been investigated as potential therapeutic interventions in COPD that may lower cardiovascular risk. The goals of this review are to examine the evidence for increased cardiovascular risk in COPD patients, the possible mechanisms linking these two chronic conditions, to discuss possible predictors or markers of poor outcomes among patients diagnosed with both COPD and CAD, and the therapeutic options aimed at reducing cardiovascular risks associated with COPD.
Ghoorah et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Cardiovascular Disease. Statins and inhaled corticosteroids was evaluated. This review highlights that airflow limitation is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in COPD patients, with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress acting as pathophysiological links.