One of the frequent themes of these articles is how everything is connected. When it comes to lung disease and heart disease the connections are all too common and real. Evidence has shown that heart failure is an alltoo- common problem in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). This connection is in large part due to the risk factors that COPD and heart failure share. A history of cigarette smoking and a sedentary life style are common factors affecting large groups of patients.
Aggressive, proactive treatment can help prevent heart failure decompensation in patients with COPD. This aggressive approach would be of significant benefit to patients with COPD since heart failure intensifies the course of their lung disease and makes management more difficult.
While medications are often needed to control heart failure and COPD, there are lifestyle changes patients can use to reduce their risks. Not surprisingly, smoking cessation heads the list of helpful lifestyle changes. Making a commitment to discontinue smoking and following through will greatly improve outcomes.
Improving diet is another lifestyle change that can reduce risk of heart failure in a COPD patient. Excessive consumption of processed food and red meats intensifies and increases the risk of inflammation in the lungs and heart.
Lastly, physical activity can promote the more efficient use of oxygen and help improve the sensation of shortness of breath that comes when there is reduced cardiopulmonary endurance. A sedentary lifestyle raises the risk of both coronary artery disease and COPD.
Remember, everything is connected.
