[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiopulmonary risk: a call to action]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality, and their coexistence significantly increases cardiopulmonary risk. COPD is associated with a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke, driven by systemic inflammation, chronic hypoxemia, and shared risk factors such as smoking and physical inactivity. Comprehensive risk assessment through stratification tools, biomarkers, and functional tests allows for the identification of the most vulnerable patients. A multidisciplinary approach, including smoking cessation, rehabilitation, and triple inhaled therapy (ICS/LABA/LAMA), can reduce exacerbations and mortality. Recognizing COPD as a systemic determinant of vascular risk is essential to optimize clinical management.