Comorbidities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a comprehensive study

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in understanding the systemic nature of COPD and its frequently associated comorbidities. COPD is characterized by chronic lung disease involving local and systemic inflammation and non-reversible airway obstruction. The disease course is marked by recurrent exacerbations and is often accompanied by various comorbidities. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities among Iraqi patients with COPD and their association with disease severity. A case-control study was conducted at Al-Sader Hospital in Annajaf from October 2019 to October 2020, involving 200 participants. The study population comprised 100 patients with COPD (COPD group) and 100 individuals without COPD serving as the control group. Patients with COPD were divided into four groups according to the disease severity. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), hypertension, and dyslipidemia was determined in all groups. Patients with COPD had a significantly higher prevalence of T2DM, ASCVD, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and, except for T2DM, the prevalence was significantly higher in the more severe groups. It was concluded that T2DM, ASCVD, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were commonly associated with COPD.