Cardiovascular comorbidities associated with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a hospital-based study

Background Most patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have cardiovascular comorbidities (CVD), which significantly contribute to the mortality and morbidity in these patients. Objective The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of CVD in hospitalized patients with COPD. The secondary objectives were to study the risk factors associated with CVD in patients with COPD and to assess if the severity of COPD was related to the prevalence of CVD. Patients and methods The present study was a prospective observational study. The study period spanned from January 2013 to December 2014. All consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of COPD were included in the study. Patients with coexisting chronic respiratory illnesses, like obstructive sleep apnea, interstitial lung disease, and bronchiectasis, were excluded. The presence of various CVD was assessed with a history, physical evaluation, and limited tests [ECG, troponin levels, serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and echocardiography). χ2 test was used to test the statistical significance. Clearance from ethical committee and consent from patients were obtained before the study. Results A total of 100 patients with COPD were included in the study. Overall, 60% of the patients had CVD. Common CVD were ischemic heart disease (21%), congestive heart failure (20%), stroke (5%), and arrhythmias (3%). The prevalence of CVD among patients with stages 1 and 2 COPD was 44.4%, stage 3 COPD was 61.5% and stage 4 COPD was 66.7% (P=0.298). Using multiple linear regression analysis, significant risk factors for CVD were serum BNP levels [P=0.001; odds ratio (OR), 17.5], dyslipidemia (P=0.037; OR, 3.6), and systemic hypertension (P=0.002; OR, 4.6). Patients with COPD and CVD had a lower BMI as compared with those without CVD. Conclusion Ischemic heart disease, congestive cardiac failure, and stroke were the most commonly identified CVD in patients with COPD. Systemic hypertension, dyslipidemia, and serum BNP levels were identified as important predictors for CVD in our study.