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Airflow limitation as a risk factor for vascular stiffness

S S Sheen1, H J Kim1, D Singh2

  • 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea.

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
|June 20, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is independently linked to vascular stiffness and atherosclerosis, regardless of smoking history. This finding highlights a crucial connection between lung function and cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in COPD patients.
  • Atherosclerosis contributes to cardiac comorbidities in COPD.
  • The independent association between airflow limitation and atherosclerosis, irrespective of smoking, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the independent association between airflow limitation and vascular stiffness.
  • To determine if airflow limitation predicts peripheral atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • 18,893 participants underwent spirometry and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurements.
  • Airflow limitation defined as FEV1/FVC < 70%.
  • Peripheral atherosclerosis defined as baPWV ≥ 1400 cm/s.

Main Results:

  • Mean baPWV was significantly higher in individuals with airflow limitation (1477.6 cm/s) compared to those without (1344.1 cm/s).
  • Independent predictors of peripheral atherosclerosis included age, male sex, fasting glucose, blood pressure, leukocyte count, LDL level, and FEV1.
  • Airflow limitation was identified as an independent predictor of vascular stiffness.

Conclusions:

  • Airflow limitation is an independent predictor of vascular stiffness.
  • This association persists irrespective of smoking history.
  • Airflow limitation is demonstrably linked with atherosclerosis in COPD patients.

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