Effectiveness and safety of concurrent beta-blockers and inhaled bronchodilators in COPD with cardiovascular comorbidities

摘要

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common chronic respiratory disease and its prevalence is increasing worldwide; in both industrialised and developing countries. Its prevalence is xe2x88xbc5% in the general population and it is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. COPD is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases; in fact; xe2x88xbc64% of people suffering from COPD are treated for a concomitant cardiovascular disease and approximately one in three COPD patients die as a consequence of cardiovascular diseases.Inhaled bronchodilators might have adverse cardiovascular effects; including ischaemic events and arrhythmias; and beta-blockers might adversely influence the respiratory symptoms and the response to bronchodilators. For these reasons; it is important to know the safety profiles and the possible interactions between these two classes of drug; in order to prescribe them with greater awareness.In this article; we review the literature about the epidemiology of COPD; its association with cardiovascular diseases; and the safety of concurrent use of inhaled bronchodilators and beta-blockers; as a tool for improving the approach to complex therapies in clinical practice.