Underlying Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
William MacNee 1, John D. Maclay 2
1 Centre for Inflammation Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; 2 Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
*Correspondence: John D. Maclay, Email not available
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation and is associated with several extrapulmonary manifestations and comorbidities. Cardiovascular diseases are among the most frequent comorbid conditions affecting patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and contribute significantly to the severity, morbidity, and mortality.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease shares common risk factors with cardiovascular diseases (i.e. smoking, low socioeconomic class, sedentary lifestyle). However, alternative mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease that may have a role in driving the increased cardiovascular risk associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this manuscript we will discuss the potential mechanisms that link chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
