Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with coronary heart disease of elderly age groups

Abstract

Background. Among the combinations of comorbid conditions, a special role belongs to the combination of coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because COPD is often associated with CHD, most authors believe that there is a direct link between COPD, progression of bronchial obstruction, and pathological conditions of the cardiovascular system, including mortality from myocardial infarction. In elderly patients, according to some researchers, the link between COPD and CHD is most pronounced.

Objective. To establish the frequency of COPD in patients with CHD in older age groups.

Materials and methods. The studies are based on the results of a comprehensive survey of 635 patients with CHD aged 60-89 years, who were observed for a long time of the State Institution “Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”.

Results and discussion. The share of patients with CHD in whom COPD was detected in the group of elderly people is 19.4 %. This is much more than the average population. The frequency of COPD in patients with CHD decreases significantly with further aging. The prevalence of COPD among elderly patients is much lower than among elderly patients. This can most likely be explained by the fact that a significant proportion of patients with CHD with COPD do not live to old age. The analysis revealed that in elderly patients there is bronchial obstruction of more severe stages. This is due to the fact that CHD patients with COPD who live to old age have worsening bronchial patency due to the longer duration of the disease. It has been established that the majority of patients with CHD with COPD, both elderly and senile, are male. This can be explained by the negative effects of smoking.

Conclusions. The incidence of COPD in patients with CHD in the elderly is much higher than in the population. At the same time, the incidence of COPD among patients with CHD in the elderly is much lower than among the elderly. In patients of advanced age bronchial obstruction is more expressed.