COPD episodes could increase chance of heart attack, stroke in heart patients
New research presented at the American Thoracic Society conference in San Francisco has provided evidence that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or have a history or risk for cardiovascular disease more often suffer from heart attack and stroke.
The research, conducted by Ken M. Kunisaki, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VA Health Care System, found that within 30 days after an acute exacerbation of COPD, the chances of heart attack or stroke were nearly four times higher. Within 31 days to a year after exacerbation, the chances were nearly double. After a year, the risk was not significantly different.
"Previous studies have shown that lower lung function, such as occurs with COPD, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease," Kunisaki said in a statement. "One theory for why this happens is that COPD triggers inflammation and that, in turn, leads to CVD. Because COPD exacerbations lead to particularly high levels of inflammation, we wondered if these exacerbations would be linked to higher rates of CVD events."
The study was based on data from the Study to Understand Mortality and Morbidity Trial, which enrolled current and former smokers between the ages of 40 and 80. Patients either had cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors for it.
Kunisaki said the study results have caused him to study possible interventions for patients with cardiovascular disease who have suffered a COPD exacerbation.
"One approach might be to study currently used cardiac medications, such as antiplatelet agents, statins and/or beta-blockers immediately following COPD exacerbations," Kunisaki said. "Another approach might be to use experimental drugs that specifically reduce inflammation."
But until specific interventions are identified, he recommends that heart patients pay attention to their symptoms and seek medical care if they believe they could be at risk for heart attack or stroke.
Senior Writer
As a Senior Writer for TriMed Media Group, Katherine primarily focuses on producing news stories, Q&As and features for Cardiovascular Business. She reports on several facets of the cardiology industry, including emerging technology, new clinical trials and findings, and quality initiatives among providers. She is based out of TriMed's Chicago office and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Her work has appeared in Modern Healthcare, Crain's Chicago Business and The Detroit News. She joined TriMed in 2016.