Early Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of Patients With COPD During Respiratory Exacerbation for the Identification and Treatment of Cardiovascular Comorbidity
This is a research study involving patients hospitalized for COPD flare-ups. Patients will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will only see a pulmonologist (lung doctor), and the other group will also be seen by a cardiologist (heart doctor) during their hospital stay. Both groups will fill out a questionnaire, and the pulmonologist will review their lung disease, adjust their treatment, and recommend follow-up care. The cardiologist will also assess the second group for heart diseases (like high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart failure) and start or adjust heart treatment if needed. Both groups will be followed up by phone 1, 3, 6 and 12 months later to check for changes in treatment, new heart problems, COPD flare-ups, or death.
• Documented COPD (based on lung function tests, symptoms and relevant treatment).
• Aged 18-75 years.
• Mentally competent to understand and follow medical recommendations.