COPD and Heart Disease: What You should know from our May 2024 posts

Did you know people with COPD often face higher risks for heart problems? This month we focused on one clear idea: COPD doesn’t just affect your lungs. It can change how your heart works, raise risks, and make symptoms worse. Below you’ll find simple explanations and practical steps you can use right away.

How COPD affects the heart

COPD causes long-term inflammation and lower oxygen levels. That inflammation can spread beyond the lungs and affect blood vessels and the heart. When oxygen is low, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood. Over time that extra work can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs, strain on the right side of the heart, and higher chances of heart attack or arrhythmia.

Smoking is the common trigger for both COPD and many heart diseases. If you smoke, quitting is the single biggest step you can take right now. Other risk factors—like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes—make the link stronger. Knowing your numbers and tracking them matters.

Practical steps to manage both

Start with clear, everyday actions. First, get a thorough checkup: lung function tests, heart checks, and basic bloodwork will show where you stand. Make sure your doctors coordinate—your pulmonologist and cardiologist should know what each other is doing.

Medication matters. Some inhalers and heart drugs interact, so always tell each provider about every medicine you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Never stop prescribed heart or lung meds on your own—talk to your doctor before making changes.

Move in a safe way. Gentle exercise, like walking or a supervised pulmonary rehab program, strengthens both lungs and heart. If breathlessness or chest pain gets worse with activity, stop and seek advice. Vaccines also help: flu and pneumococcal shots lower the chance of lung infections that can strain your heart.

Watch for warning signs. Increased shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, sudden weight gain, chest pain, fainting, or faster heartbeats are red flags. If you notice these, contact your healthcare team or go to urgent care.

Small changes add up: quit smoking, eat more vegetables and lean protein, limit salt, manage stress, and keep a regular sleep schedule. Track symptoms in a simple notebook or phone app to spot patterns—this helps your doctor adjust treatment faster.

Our May 2024 post breaks down the link between COPD and heart disease in plain language and gives realistic tips you can use today. If you or someone you care for has COPD, consider sharing these points with your healthcare team to build a joined-up care plan.