Identifying and managing cardiopulmonary risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease that causes symptoms such as breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, cough and excess sputum production. Exacerbations of COPD often occur alongside chronic disease and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular events are increasingly prevalent in patients with COPD, particularly during or following exacerbations, with evolving evidence indicating a direct pathological link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and respiratory disease. Cardiovascular events in patients with COPD adversely affect the disease course, so it is important that nurses and other healthcare professionals proactively consider and mitigate this risk in patients with COPD. This article explores cardiopulmonary risk and suggests potential strategies for incorporating CVD prevention and management into routine COPD care.