The Advance of Diagnosis and Therapy on Elderly Patients with Coexistence of COPD and CHF / 中国慢性病预防与控制

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) increased gradually with age. The coexistence of COPD and CHF was very common but often neglected. To avoid overlooking COPD in patients with known CHF, pulmonary function tests should be routinely obtained. Likewise, to avoid overlooking CHF in patients with known COPD, left ventricular function should be routinely assessed. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide was a useful index to differentiate COPD exacerbation from CHF decompensation in patients presenting with acute dyspnea. Skeletal muscle metabolic alterations and its atrophy were the common mechanisms which resulting in deterioration of function capacity in elderly patients with CHF and COPD. Contrary to the conventional belief, long-term beta adrenergic blockers should be given to elderly patients with CHF and COPD. Exercise training reverses rapidly progress of skeletal muscle metabolic alterations and atrophy and promotes independence and life quality in elderly patients.