Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Symptoms, Connections, and Additional Information
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) are two conditions that often intertwine, each one exacerbating the other. COPD, affecting around 15 million people in the United States, is a severe lung disease that can lead to heart failure, particularly when the breathing issues it causes place extra strain on the heart.
COPD is primarily caused by smoking, but nonsmokers can also develop the condition, especially with long-term exposure to environmental hazards. The condition can be managed through a variety of treatments, including medication, surgery, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and complementary therapies.
On the other hand, CHF is a condition that causes a reduced rate of blood flow out of the heart, resulting in a backup of blood in the venous circulation. A person can take steps to avoid CHF by reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, moderating alcohol intake, getting regular exercise, avoiding foods high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, quitting smoking, or avoiding secondhand smoke where possible.
The symptoms of COPD include wheezing, fatigue, chronic cough, shortness of breath during normal activities, a blue tinge to the fingernails or lips, excessive production of mucus or phlegm, and frequent respiratory infections. Symptoms of CHF may include shortness of breath, swelling, persistent coughing or wheezing, confusion and impaired thinking, increased heart rate, fatigue, and lack of appetite.
Researchers have noted several links between COPD and CHF, including sharing similar features, risk factors, changes in how the lungs and heart function, and some signs and symptoms. COPD can lead to CHF if the breathing issues it causes place extra strain on the heart. Conversely, CHF can worsen pulmonary congestion and respiratory symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.
It is crucial for a person living with either condition to work closely with a doctor to manage their symptoms and ensure that the condition does not lead to other health issues. Clinical management requires careful evaluation to address both conditions simultaneously, with smoking cessation, inflammation control, and tailored pharmacotherapy as key preventive and treatment strategies.
In rare cases, an inherited condition that causes the deficiency of a protein called alpha-1 can lead to COPD. It is essential to avoid irritants, such as pollution, chemicals, and fumes, whenever possible to reduce the risk of both COPD and CHF.
References:
[1] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). COPD and Congestive Heart Failure. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/copd-and-congestive-heart-failure
[2] American Lung Association. (2021). What Is COPD? Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/learn-about-copd/what-is-copd
[3] American Heart Association. (2021). What Is Congestive Heart Failure? Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/what-is-congestive-heart-failure
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20351988
[5] National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease
- The field of science has identified several links between COPD and chronic diseases like heart failure, highlighting shared risk factors, similar features, and changes in heart and lung function.
- In the realm of health and wellness, it's important for people living with COPD or heart failure to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes moderate weight, regular exercise, and a diet low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
- While COPD is primarily caused by smoking, fashion-and-beauty choices like avoiding perfumes or air fresheners containing irritants can help prevent both COPD and heart failure in nonsmokers.
- Researchers are studying the genetic factor of an alpha-1 deficiency protein, which can lead to COPD in rare cases, as a potential target for future treatments of chronic diseases like heart failure.
