Abstract
Chlumský J., Chlumský J.: Cardiac complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the two leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with mild COPD, cardiovascular diseases account for nearly 50 % of all hospitalizations and over 20 % of all deaths.
COPD doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. The spectrum of cardiovascular diseases includes - right ventricular dysfunction, - pulmonary hypertension, - coronary artery disease, and - arrhythmias.
Pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD increases morbidity and worsens survival. Patients with COPD also carry an increased risk of mortality due to arrhythmia, myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure.
The general approach to treating cardiovascular disease in COPD is similar to that used in the general population.