Arterial stiffness is independently associated with emphysema severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

More patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) die of cardiovascular causes than of respiratory causes, and patients with COPD have increased morbidity and mortality from stroke and coronary heart disease. Arterial stiffness independently predicts cardiovascular risk, is associated with atheromatous plaque burden, and is increased in patients with COPD compared with control subjects matched for cardiovascular risk factors. Elastin fragmentation and changes in collagen are found in the connective tissue of both emphysematous lungs and stiff arteries, but it is not known whether the severity of arterial stiffness in patients with COPD is associated with the severity of emphysema.

Objectives

To identify whether the extent of arterial stiffness is asso

SUBMITTER: McAllister DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2176105 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature