Mild COPD May Alter Heart Functions
By Donna Parker • Jan 26th, 2010 • Category: Health News, Heart health
It may be a good idea to start an alkaline diet, which may prevent heart complications for patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as the lung condition may affect the heart’s functions.
According to a new study published in the New England Medical Journal, even though the lung disease has little to no symptoms, it can still dramatically alter a patient’s heart health, by decreasing its ability to properly pump blood.
Previous studies have linked severe cases of COPD to heart health. However, there has been little evidence to determine the effects of a mild case.
One in five Americans have COPD, but many might not even know it due to the lack of symptoms. The disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
After studying 2,816 healthy adults, it was determined even patients with a mild case of COPD with no symptoms had problems with their heart functions.
"This study shows that COPD, even in its mildest form, is associated with diminished heart function," said Dr. Susan B. Shurin.
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