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Co-morbidity in mild-to-moderate COPD: comparison to normal and restrictive lung function
Anne Lindberg1, Lars-Gunnar Larsson, Eva Rönmark
1Division of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
COPD
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, chronic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux. These co-morbidities, particularly heart disease, show significant overlap in COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Systemic inflammation and co-morbidities are increasingly recognized in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- Cardiovascular conditions are frequently discussed in relation to COPD disease process and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the overrepresentation of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux in COPD patients.
- To compare the prevalence of these co-morbidities between COPD and non-COPD individuals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies.
- Identified 993 COPD subjects (GOLD criteria, FEV1/FVC<0.70) and 993 matched non-COPD controls.
- Collected co-morbidity and symptom data via interviews.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular co-morbidities (heart disease, hypertension, stroke, claudication) were significantly higher in COPD (50.1%) versus normal lung function (41.0%).
- Chronic rhinitis (43.1% vs 32.3%) and gastroesophageal reflux (16.7% vs 12.0%) were also more prevalent in COPD.
- Restrictive lung function showed higher rates of chronic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipemia, and diabetes compared to normal lung function.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular disease, chronic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux are common co-morbidities in COPD.
- A significant overlap exists between heart disease, chronic rhinitis, and GERD in COPD patients.
- Restrictive lung function identifies individuals with a higher burden of disease.
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