Cardiovascular co-morbidity in patients with COPD in Bulgaria

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is also associated with significant concomitant diseases which affect the disease progression course, and contribute to the exacerbation of health status and overall mortality rate. The aim of this study was to identify the most frequent Cardio-vascular disease (CVD) comorbidities among patients with COPD in Bulgaria and their effect on the hospitalization rate, hospital stay duration and health status. A retrospective national observational study was conducted among a statistically representative cohort of 426 patients in Bulgaria. Demographic data, smoking, clinical data for COPD severity and co-morbidity were collected. Health status was assessed through the specific COPD assessment test (CAT). CVD co-morbidity was evaluated by type, considering the GOLD guidelines and number. More than 80% of the patients reported two and more CVD co-morbidities and all of them reported more than two exacerbations and more than two hospitalizations over the last year. The most frequently reported CVD co-morbidity was hypertension, which was present in 88% of the men and in 89% of the women. The data showed a positive correlation between the cardiovascular risk and the progression of the disease. Hypertension, ischemic heart disease and heart failure prevailed in the observed population. With the advancement of COPD, the number of CVDs diseases per patient and CAT score, average hospitalization rate and hospital stay increased.

Economic evaluations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pharmacotherapy: how well are the real-world issues of medication adherence, comorbidities and adverse drug-reactions addressed?

“…We should note that disease severity may also impact the prevalence of comorbidities. A recent real-world study [55] reported the highest percentage of comorbidities among COPD patients of group D followed by group B. Taking into account that over 80% of COPD patients has accompanied comorbidity [55,56], these effects cannot be ignored.…”

“…A recent real-world study [55] reported the highest percentage of comorbidities among COPD patients of group D followed by group B. Taking into account that over 80% of COPD patients has accompanied comorbidity [55,56], these effects cannot be ignored. Besides the health impact, comorbidities are also causing an economic impact [57], as shown in some of the articles included in this review [23,25,31,35,36].…”

Systemic Manifestations of COPD and the Impact of Dual Bronchodilation with Tiotropium/Olodaterol on Cardiac Function and Autonomic Integrity

“…As COPD shares risk factors with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and tends to impair cardiac function through different mechanisms, such as increased intrathoracic pressure, hypoxia, oxidative stress and systemic inflammation [2,17], cardiovascular morbidity is more frequent in people with COPD than in the general population [18]. Moreover, it has been observed that among patients with COPD, cardiovascular morbidities lead to more hospitalizations and deaths than COPD itself [19].…”