World COPD Day
Living with COPD?
Check your heart
If you have COPD, you’re at higher risk of heart disease. But many symptoms overlap between these conditions, which means COPD could be masking signs of underlying heart problems. That’s why we’re urging COPD patients to check their heart this World COPD Day (November 19).
How are COPD and heart disease connected?
It can be hard to tell the difference between COPD and heart disease because they share common warning signs.
COPD puts extra strain on your heart, and over time this can lead to serious cardiovascular problems like heart failure or irregular heartbeats.
People with COPD are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease. With COPD, your heart has to work harder to pump oxygen around your body. The risk increases even more during COPD flare-ups, when heart problems can develop quietly and go unnoticed.
Be aware of these symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort or tightness
Swelling in legs, ankles, feet or abdomen
Racing, irregular or pounding heartbeat, or an erratic pulse
Breathlessness when lying flat or walking up incline
Know the facts
People with COPD are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease
High blood pressure affects an estimated 30-50% of people with COPD
People with COPD have a 28% higher risk of irregular heart rhythms, and this doubles with frequent flare ups
Talk to your doctor
Detecting heart disease early can help prevent serious complications, and it starts with talking to your doctor about your heart health.
This guide has been designed to help you have better conversations with your doctor about COPD and heart disease.
Download, print and complete the form to take along to your next appointment.
Sponsored by
This campaign is a collaborative initiative between Kia Manawanui Trust - The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand and AstraZeneca, focused on heart and respiratory health for patients living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).