Reducing Cardiopulmonary Risk and Exacerbations in COPD

New updates in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 report include major changes to initial disease assessment and pharmacologic therapy, highlighting the clinical relevance of exacerbations. The updated GOLD 2023 algorithms offer a shorter path to consideration of triple therapy, including both initial and follow-up treatment. Most mild- or moderate-severity chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations can be successfully managed in outpatient settings; primary care clinicians have many opportunities to identify, diagnose, and treat patients with COPD earlier to reduce lung damage and disease progression. COPD and cardiovascular disease share common mechanisms and risk factors that influence COPD management.