Medically Reviewed by Donald Bartlett, MD

McLeod primary care physician Dr. Donald Bartlett explains how COPD and heart disease are frequently linked and can have worse outcomes when they occur together.

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common lung disease caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lung. COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of a slimy substance called mucus. The damage leads to inflammation that blocks airflow and makes it hard to breathe. COPD is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

COPD affects more than 14 million US adults, and many others do not know they have it. More than half of those diagnosed are women. In the United States, cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD; most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. COPD lowers the oxygen level in the blood, so the heart muscle may not get enough blood and oxygen. This puts extra strain on the heart, and it can cause cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Cardiovascular disease is a general term for a range of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. More than 700,000 die each year from CVD, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. CVD is often caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the walls of blood vessels. This buildup can narrow blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack or stroke if an artery becomes blocked.

COPD and CVD frequently occur together, and their coexistence is associated with worse outcomes than either condition alone. In particular, the two conditions share similar risk factors such as aging, a history of cigarette smoking (or other exposures) and a sedentary lifestyle. CVD is also a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in patients with COPD.

The good news is that both COPD and CVD can often be prevented by making three critical lifestyle choices.

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, and avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke, talk with your provider about programs and products that can help you quit. If you have trouble quitting smoking on your own, consider joining a support group.
• Stay physically active. Aim for 30-60 minutes of light aerobic exercise daily. Whether you have COPD or CVD, ask your healthcare provider if you can participate in these activities: weightlifting, weight machines, jogging, or swimming.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. B vitamins, which are found in fish, beef, pork, and chicken, help your body produce red blood cells that carry oxygen. You can also include blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, kidney beans, plums, and artichoke hearts in your diet.

If you’re concerned about COPD and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), speak with a family practice provider near you.