Occurrence and impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in elderly patients with stable heart failure.

SUMMARY AT A GLANCE: We examined the occurrence of COPD in elderly outpatients with stable heart failure. Longitudinal follow-up over 3 years of study indicated that coexistent COPD did not affect patient survival. ABSTRACT: Background and objective:  The coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) increases with age. We investigated the occurrence, prognosis, and therapeutic implications of concurrent COPD in elderly patients with CHF. Methods:  We enrolled 118 consecutive patients, ≥65 years old with ≥10 pack-years of smoking and with a verified diagnosis of CHF in stable condition. They were followed for a mean of 1029 (range 758-1064) days. All patients had spirometry and the diagnosis and classification of COPD were made according to GOLD Guidelines. Results:  The mean occurrence of COPD was 30% (90% CI 24-37%). At baseline in patients with CHF and COPD, there was a shorter 6-minute walking distance (6MWT), lower arterial oxygen tension, glomerular filtration rate and higher N-terminal B-natriuretic peptide (all p<0.05). The prescription of CHF therapies, including β-blockers, was similar in the two groups. After follow-up the presence of COPD in patients with CHF did not appear to influence survival. Conclusions:  COPD is relatively frequent in elderly patients with CHF. COPD did not alter survival. © 2012 The Authors. Respirology © 2012 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.