Cardiovascular disease and COPD: dangerous liaisons?

What is it about?

• It is common for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to coexist with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the same patient, due to various disease mechanisms. Patients with comorbid COPD and CVD suffer from worse outcomes than those with just one of these conditions. • COPD treatments such as long-acting bronchodilators may produce beneficial cardiovascular (CV) effects. Similarly, some CV medications may have a beneficial impact on COPD outcomes. • There have been concerns regarding the long-term safety of CV medications in COPD patients and vice versa. A review of the existing data suggests that overall, the safety profile of COPD and CV medications in patients with co-existing COPD and CVD is reassuring. • However, clearer recommendations are necessary regarding the identification and management of comorbid CVD in patients with COPD in order to facilitate early intervention and appropriate treatment.

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