COPD patients 'at higher heart risk'
Monday 26th September 2011
Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at an increased risk of mortality if they are underweight, according to research.
Researchers assessed 552 patients, analysing their age, education, smoking status and level of care, as well as lung function and history of comorbidities.
Heart disease, hypertension and being underweight were all found to be associated with higher mortality in COPD patients.
Those who were at a low weight were 1.7-times more likely to die than those who had a normal body weight.
Furthermore, those with heart disease or cardiac failure were 1.9-times more likely to die than those with COPD alone, according to the research, which was presented at the European Respiratory Society's Annual Congress in Amsterdam.
Dr Bjorn Stallberg, from Uppsala University in Sweden, said: "The findings of this study have shown that heart disease and being underweight are very serious conditions and therefore should be taken into consideration when managing patients with COPD."
Meanwhile, another study also presented at the congress revealed that people with COPD or reduced lung function are at a significant risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Investigators found that 50.1 per cent of people who had COPD suffered from cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, compared to those with normal lung function, of which 41 per cent had heart problems.
Authors believe that this suggests individuals with COPD and reduced lung function should be routinely screened for cardiovascular disease.
"This has important implications for clinicians who need to understand the potential overlaps of these conditions when they are treating people with COPD.
"In addition to raising awareness of these co-morbidities, it will also be important to investigate these links further and look at the effect that co-morbid conditions have on exacerbations and disease progression."
The World Health Organisation believes that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.
Written by Mathew Horton
Related articles
High blood pressure can be combated by ...
The risk of having a heart condition due to high blood pressure can be combated by pills that contain a variety of drugs. ...
Wednesday 16th May 2012
Stroke risk increased by irregular heartbeat in...
Strokes are among the biggest killers worldwide and new research has found that older women diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat...
Thursday 10th May 2012
Blood pressure drugs could help trauma victims
Blood pressure drugs could be the latest weapon to help trauma victims reduce the likelihood of getting severe post-traumatic...
Wednesday 2nd May 2012
Related Cardiac-Physiology Jobs
Experienced Paediatric Echocardiographer required for an exciting new locum job based in Southampton.We are recruiting a BSE Echocardiogrpaher...
Full infoLocum Neurophysiologist required for a 12 month fixed term contract based in Essex. We have an excellent job available for a band...
Full infoWe have a permanent job opportunity available for a Cath Lab and Pacing Technician to join a pro active and dynamic NHS Cardiac...
Full info