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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
04:03
Alternative Therapy for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Moving Cupping Along Meridians
Published on: September 27, 2024
[The COPD-patient with acute dyspnea]
Michael Christ1, Hans Jürgen Heppner
1Klinik für Notfall- und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Klinikum Nürnberg. michael.christ@klinikum-nuernberg.de
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|September 3, 2009
Summary
Diagnosing heart failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is challenging. Natriuretic peptide measurements can help rule out heart failure, but further tests are needed to confirm it.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Pulmonology
- Biomarker Research
Context:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular comorbidities.
- Heart failure (HF) affects 20-30% of COPD patients, often leading to underdiagnosis and impacting mortality.
- Diagnosing HF-related dyspnea in COPD patients is difficult due to overlapping symptoms.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the utility of natriuretic peptide measurements in diagnosing heart failure in COPD patients.
- To improve the diagnostic accuracy of heart failure in patients with co-existing COPD.
Summary:
- Natriuretic peptide levels, specifically B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-proBNP, are valuable tools for excluding heart failure in dyspneic COPD patients.
- Cut-off values (BNP <100 pg/mL, NT-proBNP <300 pg/mL) show high negative predictive value for ruling out HF.
- Confirming heart failure requires integrating natriuretic peptide results with clinical history, physical examination, and echocardiography.
Impact:
- Enhanced diagnostic strategies for heart failure in COPD patients.
- Potential for improved treatment initiation and patient outcomes.
- Highlights the importance of considering cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD management.
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