Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality. A role for altitude

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant public health concern.
• Geographic variations in COPD mortality suggest environmental factors may play a role.
• Previous observations indicated a potential link between altitude and COPD mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the independent association between residential altitude and COPD mortality rates in the US.
• To determine if altitude's effect on COPD mortality persists after accounting for smoking.
• To provide evidence for potential environmental interventions for COPD patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 1986 state-specific data for COPD mortality rates, cigarette consumption, and altitude.
• Employed linear regression analysis to assess relationships between variables.
• Calculated median state resident altitude using county seat altitudes and populations.

Main Results:

• Found significant independent associations between COPD mortality and both smoking and altitude.
• COPD mortality increased by 1/10^5 for every 5.4 increase in per capita cigarette consumption.
• COPD mortality also increased by 1/10^5 for every 95-meter increase in resident altitude.
• No significant association was observed between altitude and smoking rates.

Conclusions:

• Increased residential altitude is independently associated with higher COPD mortality rates.
• Altitude may be a contributing environmental factor to COPD mortality, separate from smoking.
• Patients diagnosed with COPD could potentially benefit from relocating to lower altitudes.