COPD and cardiovascular diseases: now is the time for action!

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

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has significant systemic manifestations, including cardiovascular morbidity. The main aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of short-term COPD treatment with tiotropium/olodaterol (TIO/OLO) 5/5 μg on cardiac function and autonomic integrity. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe COPD were enrolled. We performed pulmonary function tests, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) imaging and analysis of blood biomarkers on our study subjects. The correlations between the tests' results were evaluated at baseline. The changes in pulmonary and cardiac parameters from baseline through 12 weeks were assessed. Results: Significant associations between pulmonary function tests' results and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as well as interleukin-22 (IL-22), were observed at baseline. Treatment with TIO/OLO significantly improved lung function as measured by spirometry and body plethysmography. Moreover, we found that the cardiac index increased from 2.89 (interquartile range (IQR) 1.09) to 3.21 L/min/m2 (IQR 0.78) (p = 0.013; N = 18) and the late heart-to-mediastinum ratio improved from 1.88 (IQR 0.37) to 2 (IQR 0.41) (p = 0.026; N = 16) after 12 weeks of treatment. Conclusions: Treatment with TIO/OLO improves lung function and positively impacts cardiac function and autonomic integrity, suggesting that dual bronchodilation might have a potential in decreasing the risk for cardiac events in COPD. Hs-CRP and IL-22 might be beneficial in determining the intensity of systemic inflammation in COPD. Further research with a larger cohort is needed to enhance the initial results of this study.

Interrelation of Chronic Lung Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Based on Two National Prospective Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Chronic lung diseases (CLDs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main chronic diseases responsible for a considerable burden of disease. This study aimed to estimate the interrelation of CLDs and CVDs using two Chinese national longitudinal cohort studies.

METHODS

The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were used in this study with 15,052 and 9,765 participants, respectively. The Cox proportional risk model was used to estimate the interrelation between CLDs and CVDs. Mediating effects were performed to detect possible influencing pathways between CLDs and CVDs.

RESULTS

The association of CLDs with CVDs was identified in 1,647 participants (10.9%) with newly diagnosed CVDs in CHARLS and 332 participants (11.6%) in CLHLS. The Cox proportional risk model showed that CLDs were a significant predictor of CVDs (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27-1.76) after adjusting for covariates, and the hazard ratios of stroke and CVDs excluding stroke were (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.79-1.31) and (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.46-2.13), respectively. These association were mediated by body mass index (BMI) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) scores. No significant association was found in CHARLS and CLHLS regarding CVDs with CLDs. In CHARLS, CVDs was a significant predictor of CLDs (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.09-1.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic lung disease was associated with increased incidence of CVDs in middle-aged and older people in the community population and vice versa. Body mass index and depressive symptoms might be mediated by the effect of CLD on CVD.

Elevated Blood Pressure Occurs without Endothelial Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease involving airway closure and parenchyma destruction (emphysema). Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of morbi-mortality in COPD and, in particular, hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, no mechanistic link has currently been established between the onset of COPD, elevated blood pressure (BP) and systemic vascular impairment (endothelial dysfunction). Thus, we aimed to characterize BP and vascular function and remodeling in a rat model of exacerbated emphysema focusing on the role of sympathetic hyperactivity. Emphysema was induced in male Wistar rats by four weekly pulmonary instillations of elastase (4UI) and exacerbation by a single dose of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Five weeks following the last instillation, in vivo and ex vivo cardiac and vascular functions were investigated. Exacerbated emphysema induced cardiac dysfunction (HFpEF) and a BP increase in this COPD model. We observed vasomotor changes and hypotrophic remodeling of the aorta without endothelial dysfunction. Indeed, changes in contractile and vasorelaxant properties, though endothelium-dependent, were pro-relaxant and NO-independent. A β1-receptor antagonist (bisoprolol) prevented HFpEF and vascular adaptations, while the effect on BP increase was partial. Endothelial dysfunction would not trigger hypertension and HFpEF in COPD. Vascular changes appeared as an adaptation to the increased BP. The preventing effect of bisoprolol revealed a pivotal role of sympathetic hyperactivation in BP elevation. The mechanistic link between HFpEF, cardiac sympathetic activation and BP deserves further studies in this exacerbated-emphysema model, as well as in COPD patients.

Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome and Overlap Syndrome

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) are among the most prevalent chronic respiratory disorders. Accumulating data suggest that there is a significant burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with COPD and OSAS, affecting negatively patients' quality of life and survival. Overlap syndrome (OS), i.e. the co-existence of both COPD and OSAS in the same patient, has an additional impact on the cardiovascular system multiplying the risk of morbidity and mortality. The underlying mechanisms for the development of CVD in patients with either OSAS or COPD and OS are not entirely elucidated. Several mechanisms, in addition to smoking and obesity, may be implicated, including systemic inflammation, increased sympathetic activity, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Early diagnosis and proper management of these patients might reduce cardiovascular risk and improve patients' survival. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding epidemiological aspects, pathophysiological mechanisms and present point-to-point specific associations between COPD, OSAS, OS and components of CVD, namely, pulmonary hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease and stroke.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Cardiovascular System: Vascular Repair and Regeneration as a Therapeutic Target

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It has been shown that vascular wall remodeling and pulmonary hypertension (PH) can occur not only in patients with COPD but also in smokers with normal lung function, suggesting a causal role for vascular alterations in the development of emphysema. Mechanistically, abnormalities in the vasculature, such as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, imbalances in cellular apoptosis/proliferation, and increased oxidative/nitrosative stress promote development of PH, cor pulmonale, and most probably pulmonary emphysema. Hypoxemia in the pulmonary chamber modulates the activation of key transcription factors and signaling cascades, which propagates inflammation and infiltration of neutrophils, resulting in vascular remodeling. Endothelial progenitor cells have angiogenesis capabilities, resulting in transdifferentiation of the smooth muscle cells via aberrant activation of several cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines. The vascular endothelium influences the balance between vaso-constriction and -dilation in the heart. Targeting key players affecting the vasculature might help in the development of new treatment strategies for both PH and COPD. The present review aims to summarize current knowledge about vascular alterations and production of reactive oxygen species in COPD. The present review emphasizes on the importance of the vasculature for the usually parenchyma-focused view of the pathobiology of COPD.

Characteristics of COPD Phenotypes in Serbia

Background

Establishing a regional/national/international registry of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is essential for both research and healthcare, because it enables collection of comprehensive real-life data from a large number of individuals.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe characteristics of COPD patients from the Serbian patient registry, and to investigate actual differences of those characteristics among the COPD phenotypes.

Methods

The Serbian registry of patients with COPD was established in 2018 at University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences, based on an online platform. Entry in the Registry was allowed for patients who were diagnosed with COPD according to the following criteria: symptoms of dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum production, history of risk factors for COPD and any degree of persistent airflow limitation diagnosed at spirometry.

Results

In the Serbian COPD registry B and D GOLD group were dominant, while among the COPD phenotypes, the most prevalent were non-exacerbators (49.4%) and then frequent exacerbators without chronic bronchitis (29.6%). The frequent exacerbator with chronic bronchitis phenotype was associated with low levels of bronchopulmonary function and absolute predominance of GOLD D group. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, hypertension and chronic heart failure were the most prevalent in the frequent exacerbator with chronic bronchitis phenotype; patients with this phenotype were also treated more frequently than other patients with a triple combination of the most effective inhaled anti-obstructive drugs: long-acting muscarinic antagonists, long-acting beta 2 agonists and corticosteroids.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the data from the Serbian registry are in line with those from other national registries, showing that frequent exacerbators with chronic bronchitis have worse bronchopulmonary function, more severe signs and symptoms, and more comorbidities (especially anxiety and depression) than other phenotypes. Other studies also confirmed worse quality of life and worse prognosis of the AE-CB phenotype, stressing importance of both preventive and appropriate therapeutic measures against chronic bronchitis.

The impact of the new Dutch guideline on cardiovascular risk management in patients with COPD: a retrospective study

Background

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an independent increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Cardiovascular risk (CVR) assessment should be offered to all patients with COPD, according to the new Dutch CVR management (CVRM) guideline (May 2019).

Aim

To evaluate the impact of the new CVRM guideline on the care of patients with COPD in primary care.

Design & setting

A retrospective study took place within five primary healthcare centres located in The Netherlands.

Method

In accordance with the guideline, the CVR of all patients with COPD was estimated and categorised. Data from 2014–2019 were used for the qualitative risk assessment based on comorbidities, and the quantitative Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). In addition, the guideline-based follow-up was investigated.

Results

Of the 391 patients with COPD, 84.1% (n = 329) had complete data on CVR assessment: 90.3% (n = 297) had a (very) high risk, and 9.7% (n = 32) a low-to-moderate risk. Of the patients with (very) high risk, 73.4% (n = 218) received guideline-based follow-up (primary care: 95.4%, secondary care: 4.6%). In 15.9% (n = 62) of all patients with COPD, the CVR profile was not measured and of the (very) high-risk patients, 26.6% (n = 79) were not enroled in a CV care programme.

Conclusion

Whereas in the majority of patients with COPD the CVR is already known, for one out of six patients this CVR still has to be assessed according to the recently updated guideline. Moreover, once a (very) high risk has been assessed, as a consequence CV treatment of risk factors should be intensified in one out of four patients with COPD. Adherence to the new CVRM guideline could provide improvement in CVRM in more than a third of all patients with COPD.

The Association Between Serum Human Epididymis Protein 4 Level and Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE

Serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is associated with immune and inflammatory responses. This study aimed to assess the performance of serum HE4 in the early detection of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Serum HE4 levels were measured in 199 patients with COPD, all of whom were prospectively followed up for a median period of 36 months (range = 3 months-38 months). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) history and HE4 in patients with COPD. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to assess the prognostic value of serum HE4 for predicting CV events.

RESULTS

Serum HE4 levels were higher in patients with COPD with CV events than in those without CV events (252.6 pmol/L [186.4-366.8] vs 111.0 pmol/L [84.8-157.1]; P <.001). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that serum HE4 (odds ratio = 1.639; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.213-2.317; Ptrend =.009) was independently associated with CVD history after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, current smoking status, current alcohol consumption status, admission systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, left ventricular ejection fraction, primary diseases, and laboratory measurements in patients with COPD at baseline. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that serum HE4 (hazard ratio = 2.012; 95% CI, 1.773-4.469; P <.001) was an independent prognostic factor for CV events in these patients. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the rate of CV events was higher in patients with COPD with HE4 levels above the median (187.5 pmol/L) than in those with HE4 levels below the median.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that serum HE4 was significantly and independently associated with CVD history and had independent predictive value for CV events in patients with COPD. Serum HE4 may enable early recognition of CV complication development among patients with COPD.

Higher Blood Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 is Related to the Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is associated with vascular-related inflammation and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether VCAM-1 can be used for an indication of increased risk of CV events in patients with COPD.

Methods

Serum VCAM-1 levels were measured in 163 COPD patients. All COPD patients were prospectively followed up for a median period of 48 months (range=3-54). Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of serum VCAM-1 for predicting CV events.

Results

Serum VCAM-1 levels were higher in COPD patients with CV events than in those without CV events (1174.4±365.3 ng/mL vs 947.8±293.2 ng/mL; P<0.001). The logistic regression analysis revealed that serum VCAM-1 (OR=1.750; 95% CI, 1.324-2.428; Ptrend=0.0012) was independently associated with CVD (cardiovascular disease) history after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, current smoker, current drinker, admission systolic and diastolic BP, LVEF and laboratory measurements in patients with COPD at baseline. The Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the rate of CV events was higher in COPD patients with serum VCAM-1 levels above the median (517.3 ng/mL) than in those with VCAM-1 levels below the median. The Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that serum VCAM-1 (HR=2.617; 95% CI, 1.673-5.328; Ptrend<0.001) may be an independent prognostic factor for CV events in the COPD patients.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that serum VCAM-1 was significantly and independently associated with CV events in COPD patients. The inflammatory marker may help clinicians predict CV complications early.

Adequacy of Therapy for People with Both COPD and Heart Failure in the UK: Historical Cohort Study

Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) often occur concomitantly, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians. We examined the characteristics of patients prescribed adequate versus inadequate therapy within 3 months after newly diagnosed comorbid COPD or HF.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients in longitudinal UK electronic medical record databases had pre-existing HF and newly diagnosed COPD (2017 GOLD groups B/C/D) or pre-existing COPD and newly diagnosed HF. Adequate COPD therapy was defined as long-acting bronchodilator(s) with/without inhaled corticosteroid; adequate HF therapy was defined as beta-blocker plus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and/or angiotensin receptor blocker.

Results

Of 2439 patients with HF and newly diagnosed COPD (mean 75 years, 61% men), adequate COPD therapy was prescribed for 726 (30%) and inadequate for 1031 (42%); 682 (28%) remained untreated for COPD. Adequate (vs inadequate) COPD therapy was less likely for women (35%) than men (45%), smokers (36%) than ex-/non-smokers (45%), and non-obese (41%) than obese (47%); spirometry was recorded for 57% prescribed adequate versus 35% inadequate COPD therapy. Of 12,587 patients with COPD and newly diagnosed HF (mean 75 years, 60% men), adequate HF therapy was prescribed for 2251 (18%) and inadequate for 5332 (42%); 5004 (40%) remained untreated for HF. Adequate (vs inadequate) HF therapy was less likely for smokers (27%) than ex-/non-smokers (32%) and non-obese (30%) than obese (35%); spirometry was recorded for 65% prescribed adequate versus 39% inadequate HF therapy.

Conclusion

Many patients with comorbid COPD/HF receive inadequate therapy after new diagnosis. Improved equity of access to integrated care is needed for all patient subgroups.

Effect of Bronchodilator and Steroid Use on Heart Disease and Stroke Risks in a Bronchiectasis-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overlap Cohort: A Propensity Score Matching Study

Background: To determine the effects of bronchodilator, steroid, and anti-arrhythmia drug use on the risk of heart disease/stroke (HDS) in patients with bronchiectasis–chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome (BCOS).

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients with BCOS (BCOS cohort, n = 1,493) and patients without bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (non-BCOS cohort, n = 5,972). The cumulative incidence of HDS was analyzed through Cox proportional regression. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HDS after adjustments for sex, age, comorbidities, long-acting β2-agonist or long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LABAs/LAMAs) use, short-acting β2-agonist or short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SABAs/SAMAs) use, oral steroid (OSs) or inhaled corticosteroid steroid (ICSs) use, and anti-arrhythmia drugs use.

Results: The aHR (95% CI) for HDS was 1.08 (0.28–4.06) for patients using LAMAs compared with those not using drugs. Regarding drug use days, the aHRs (95% CIs) were 32.2 (1.79–773.0), 1.85 (1.01–3.39), and 31.1 (3.25–297.80) for those with recent SABAs use, past ICSs use, and past anti-arrythmia drugs use, respectively. Regarding cumulative drug dose, the aHRs (95% CIs) were 2.12 (1.46–3.10), 3.48 (1.13–10.6), 3.19 (2.04–4.99), 28.1 (1.42–555.7), 2.09 (1.32–3.29), 2.28 (1.53–3.40), and 1.93 (1.36–2.74) for those with a low dose of SABAs, medium dose of SABAs, low dose of SAMAs, low dose of ICSs, medium dose of ICSs, low dose of OSs, and medium dose of OSs, respectively.

Conclusions: Compared with patients without bronchiectasis and COPD, BCOS patients with recent SABAs, past ICSs, and past anti-arrhythmia drugs use; a low or medium SABAs ICSs, and OSs dose; and a low SAMAs dose had a higher risk of HDS. LAMAs were not associated with HDS.