Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
and Heart Disease
What is heart disease?
The term “heart disease” refers to a number
of medical conditions that affect the heart or
the blood vessels. Common examples of
heart disease include:
 Heart attack (when a blockage cuts
off blood flow to the heart)
 Atherosclerosis (a narrowing of the
arteries due to plaque build-up)
 Heart failure (a weakening of the
heart muscle)
 Stroke (which occurs when the
brain does not receive enough
oxygen)
Heart disease and stroke are together
referred to as cardiovascular disease
(CVD), which is currently the number one
cause of death in the United States.
What is the relationship between COPD
and heart disease?
The heart and the lungs work together to
give organs the oxygen they need to
function normally. Since COPD makes it
more difficult for the lungs to collect oxygen
and get it to the bloodstream, the heart is
forced to work harder to keep the rest of the
body properly nourished. This extra stress
on the heart puts someone with COPD at a
greater risk for some kinds of heart disease.
When the heart is overworked, the walls of
the heart can thicken and fluid can build up
in the lungs and other parts of the body,
leading to congestive heart failure (CHF).
CHF that affects the right half of the heart is
called cor pulmonale and is caused
specifically by COPD and other lung
diseases that put an added strain on the
heart.
How I can reduce my risk for heart
disease if I have COPD?
 Stop smoking and reduce your
exposure to secondhand smoke.
Smoking and secondhand smoke
are strong risk factors for COPD and
heart disease.
 Exercise. Low impact activities like
walking, yoga, biking and swimming
can improve lung function and
promote a healthy heart.
 Use supplemental oxygen as
prescribed. COPD can limit the
oxygen available to the heart, so it’s
important to listen to your healthcare
provider and use supplemental
oxygen when needed.
 Maintain a healthy diet and
weight. Eating a “heart-smart” diet
(including foods like fruits and
vegetables, almonds, salmon, oats,
beans and olive oil) is important for
overall well-being. Talk to a
healthcare provider or dietician
before starting a new food plan.