EXACERBATIONS OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND MORTALITY ARE A DANGEROUS BUT MODIFIABLE COMBINATION

Abstract

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Ones of the most influencing factors are COPD exacerbations and cardiovascular diseases. Exacerbations of COPD, especially moderate and severe, are associated with more frequent future exacerbations and higher costs of treatment compared to stable COPD. When suffering from COPD, concomitant diseases, especially diseases of the cardiovascular system, are often detected, which can contribute to the manifestation of exacerbation of COPD. Both COPD exacerbations and cardiovascular disease are associated with higher mortality. Therefore, prompt administration of triple therapy after two moderate or one severe COPD exacerbation when the patient has been treated with dual therapy is important in order to prevent future exacerbations and reduce treatment costs, as well as mortality. To achieve better outcomes, COPD treatment must be continuously reviewed and optimized based on updated recommendations and new data. Due to the dangerous interrelationship, special attention must be paid to diseases of the cardiovascular system and the optimization of their treatment in COPD.