The Connection Between COPD
and Heart Disease

The Link Between COPD and Heart Disease Is Often Complex

People with COPD often experience issues with blood oxygen levels, which can drop to unhealthy rates in people with respiratory problems. Decreased blood oxygen also affects the heart, which will need to work harder to make up for the deficit. As a result, COPD can sometimes lead to heart disease or cause existing issues to get worse.

It is also worth noting the role that cigarettes play in the development of COPD. Many smokers experience respiratory dysfunction, including COPD, but there are also links between smoking and the risk of heart disease. Research also shows that widespread inflammation, which can result from smoking, is another risk factor for heart disease.

How to Lessen Your Risk of Heart Disease

If you have COPD, taking steps to control the condition is key to your overall wellness. In this case, quitting smoking is crucial, as is receiving COPD treatments involving medication, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehab, and other measures. Additionally, you should also take the following steps to support optimal heart health:

• Take part in physical activity each and every day
• Avoid high-fat processed foods and focus on wholesome, nutritious meals
• Get seven or more hours of sleep each night
• Undergo regular health screenings (including blood pressure and cholesterol tests)
• Do what you can to mitigate daily stress

These strategies are beneficial for avoiding heart disease, but they can also prevent the condition getting worse in people with existing heart problems.