Cardiovascular risk assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Abstract

Prevention of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events is a challenging part of managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Common pathophysiological mechanisms are a prerequisite for the mutual burden of comorbid pathology, COPD, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Controversies in the assessment of traditional CV risk factors, untimely detection of existing CVD, heterogeneity of the course of COPD, and the influence of COPD medications on CV risk – all these indicate the need for additional clarifications regarding the assessment of CV risk in patients with COPD. This review summarizes recent studies on CV risk assessment in patients with COPD and suggests approaches to improve the prediction of adverse CV events in these patients.