Publication:

Prevalence of coronary artery disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients- a retrospective observational study

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation that results in progressive and irreversible air flow obstruction usually caused by an inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles and gases. There are periods of acute episodes of worsening and exacerbation. COPD was predicted to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020, is a major cause of disability adjusted life years (DALY). Patients with COPD are often complicated by coronary artery disease (CAD), both of which are public health problems. There are probably a lot of mechanisms involved in the co-existence of these comorbidities like ageing, sedentary life style, systemic inflammation, atherosis and arterial stiffness. The confirmation of this comorbidity in COPD is very important as it can have implications in the management of the disease.

Methods This observational study was done in a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala. It was a retrospective observational study. 100 patients were included in the study.

Results Out of 100 COPD patients that were included in the study, 27% of them had CAD as a comorbidity which implies that all patients with COPD should be screened for CAD as well.

Conclusions All COPD patients should be screened for a coexisting CAD.