The Advance of Diagnosis and Therapy on Elderly Patients with Coexistence of COPD and CHF
- VernacularTitle:老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病合并慢性心力衰竭的诊治进展
- Author:
Xiyuan LI
;
Hongliang CONG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Chronic heart failure;
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
Diagnosis;
Beta adrenergic blockers;
Exercise training
- From:
Chinese Journal of Prevention and Control of Chronic Diseases
2006;0(01):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
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.
