Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently suffer from other chronic conditions, with cardiovascular disease being especially common. The presence of cardiovascular disease in patients with #COPD complicates overall disease management and is associated with worse morbidity and high mortality. Furthermore, patients who are hospitalised due to a COPD exacerbation are at an increased risk of death not only during hospitalisation but also for at least one year post-discharge, with the coexistence of cardiovascular comorbidities being key predictors of poor medium-term outcomes. Importantly, #cardiovascular disease is often undiagnosed in patients with COPD – and even if diagnosed, medical care during and after hospitalisation often focuses on a single condition without structured coordination between hospital- and office-based physicians. This narrative review aims to provide practical guidance to primary and (non-specialist) secondary care physicians who are caring for patients with COPD and cardiovascular comorbidities, including the discharge process and the post-hospitalisation period. Limited data are available to support some of these recommendations, and the content therefore represents expert consensus based on collective experience and practice.
https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(26)00115-9/fulltext