Negative aspects of the comorbid course of COPD and CHF

The paper focuses on challenges in the diagnosis and treatment choice for patients with CHF and COPD. It is underlined that in the pathogenesis of both diseases there are common processes of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. One of the main systemic inflammation markers is highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The fact that N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a standard laboratory biomarker of CHF, but the adverse effect of COPD on the cardiovascular system can also affect its level in blood serum is also stressed. The study was aimed to assess the impact of COPD on the level of NT-proBNP, hs-CRP and the functional status of patients with CHF. The results obtained demonstrate that combination of COPD and CHF amplifies systemic inflammation and myocardial remodeling processes determined by the level of NT-proBNP. A negative effect of COPD on the functional status of patients with CHF with different left ventricular ejection fraction was reported. The results obtained contribute to expansion of the diagnostic capabilities, and prognosis and effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in patients with COPD and CHF.