Undiagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease amongst Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A single centre study

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a respiratory illness with persistent symptoms and limited airflow, is commonly caused by tobacco smoking and other factors. It is the world's fourth leading cause of death, and it could reach number three. COPD patients often have co-morbidities such as coronary artery disease (CAD), which complicates treatment and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in individuals with coronary artery disease. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Pulmonology and Cardiology, Timergara Teaching Hospital, Dir Lower from January 2020 to January 2021. A total of 160 participants diagnosed with CAD were included. We did not include patients who were unable to undergo spirometer testing (such as intubated, in shock, with active angina pain), nor did we consider those with a history of bronchial asthma or pulmonary edema. The COPD diagnosis was confirmed with FEV1/FVC having less than 70 percent. SPSS-15 was used for statistical purposes. We used frequencies and percentages for categorical variables such as gender, COPD. The SD for continuous variables, including age, was computed.Results: Out of 160 participants 58.1% were male and 41.8%. Female The study population's mean age was 57.97 ± 11.08 years. Out of 160 patients, 60 (37.7%) were diagnosed with COPD. Among the 60 patients of COPD, 41 (68.42%) were male and 19 (31.66%) were Female. Maximum figure of COPD individuals was in the age group between 66–80 years. Mean pre and post-bronchodilator values of FEV1 in COPD subjects were 58.65 and 60.82 respectively. COPD was categorized on the foundation of GOLD standards as eight individuals (13.3%) were in grade 1, twenty-eight participants (46.6%) were in grade 2, 19 patients (31.6%) were in grade three and five patients (8.3%) were in grade four of COPD. Among male individuals with COPD, 32 (78.0%) were smokers. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the frequency of COPD is high among patients with CAD. To determine the exact incidence of COPD in individuals with coronary artery disease, comprehensive multi-centric prospective studies need to be conducted which will provide a thorough explanation of the co-existence between these conditions.”