Characterization of patients with COPD admitted in pulmonary rehabilitation center. Caracterização de pacientes com DPOC admitidos em centro de reabilitação pulmonar.

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, which is pre- ventable, thus studies that discusses the characterization of a given population are important for investment in treat- ments and prevention. Objective: Characterize individuals with COPD, admitted to a pulmonary rehabilitation center. Method: Retrospective study, exploratory character of medical records of patients with COPD. Sample consisted of 37 patients diagnosed with COPD and age greater than 20 years. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, ma- rital status, occupation, diagnosis, main complaint, and cardiovascular risk factors presented by patients during ad- mission. Results: Individuals aged >40 years and history of smoking have a higher prevalence in developing COPD. Pulmonary emphysema is a major pathological condition. The most common main complaint was dyspnea and car- diovascular risk factor was present sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, women with COPD were more likely to have depres- sion than men. Conclusion: This study enabled the characterization of COPD patients, providing the possibility of in- vesting in prevention and treatment.