Cardiovascular comorbidity and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim.To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Material.COPD patients (n=3571) were checked if they had CVDs (CAD – coronary artery disease, HF - heart failure, AH - arterial hypertension, CCP – chronic cor pulmonale, CVD - cerebrovascular disease) and mortality. Of these, 2642 (74%) were male and 929 (26%) women, aged 65.4 (SD ± 9.7), and FEV1 = 49.8 (SD ± 18.9)% pred.The risk for CVDs (OR - Add Ratio) was compared with that of 150 controls. Results. Among COPD patients 84.5% had CVDs: 59% (GOLD I), 74% (GOLD II), 86% (GOLD III) and 99% (GOLD IV) (r=0.35, p=0.0001); OR=1.96. Correlation was found between age and prevalence of CVDs: 48.7% (40-49yrs), 71.6% (50-59yrs), 85% (60-69yrs) and 96.9% (> 70yrs) (r=0.38, p=0.0001). Patients with COPD had a higher prevalence of CVDs and cardiovascular risk: CAD (66%; OR = 1.8), HF (74%; OR = 1.9), AH (45%; OR = 1.2), CCP (46%; OR = 3.8) and CVD (33.3%; OR = 1.6). In 33% of COPD deaths cardiovascular causes of death were found: 36.7% myocardial infarction, 33.3% pulmonary embolism, 12% HF and 18% of CVD. Conclusion.The study found an increased risk and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, especially in adult patients with severe COPD.