Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2025

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Cardiovascular Disease as a Moderator Between Airflow Limitation and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients
Walter Wills1, Pedro Reyes2, Arch Amon3
1Walter Wills, PhD, RN, Principal Investigator, College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa; and Department of Research and Sponsored Studies, Lakeland Regional Health, Florida.
Background:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often occur comorbidly, sharing similar risk factors and symptom presentations. However, the influence of comorbid CVD on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) along the gradient of airflow limitation severity found within COPD is understudied.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to identify if comorbid CVD demonstrates a significant moderating influence on HRQoL at each distinct stage of airflow limitation presenting among a sample of individuals living with COPD.
Methods:
A cross-sectional secondary analysis of N = 1609 participants enrolled in the SubPopulations and InteRmediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study observational cohort study using a 4 × 2 factorial analysis of variance.
Results:
There were significant differences in HRQoL among those with and without comorbid CVD at Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Diseases Stages I ( P < .001) and II ( P < .001); however, there were no significant differences at Stages III ( P = .182) or IV ( P = .138).
Conclusions:
The moderating influence of comorbid CVD on HRQoL may be variable among the various stages of airflow limitation present within COPD. Future studies should further examine comorbid illness interactions within the context of their gradients of severity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

