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DOI: 10.48087/BJMS.2026.130302
Authors: Zohra KHELIFI, Hacène MEHDIOUI, Leila BELKADI, Mohamed BOUGRIDA
Affiliations: Faculté de médecine, université Constantine 3 – Algérie.
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined by irreversible airflow obstruction, and coronary artery disease (CAD) are both highly prevalent worldwide and frequently co-occur. However, the prevalence of COPD according to its severity in patients with coronary artery disease remains poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to assess the respiratory function of stable coronary artery disease patients. Methods. This descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study included patients of both sexes, regardless of age, with coronary artery disease documented by positive coronary angiography and no previously known obstructive ventilatory disorder. Patients were recruited from private outpatient consultations in the city of Constantine between June 2016 and August 2017. They completed a questionnaire adapted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS) survey and underwent spirometric evaluation with a bronchodilator reversibility test. The diagnosis of COPD and the grading of bronchial obstruction were based on the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) criteria. All spirometric assessments were performed in accordance with ATS/ERS guidelines. Results. A total of 146 patients with coronary artery disease were enrolled; however, only 117 subjects were able to perform acceptable spirometry. The remaining patients were excluded due to poor cooperation. Among the 117 participants, 81.2% were male, with a mean age of 62 ± 9 years. Additionally, 78.7% were current or former smokers. Post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio below 70% — consistent with a diagnosis of COPD — was found in 17.1% of subjects. Among those with COPD, 25% were at GOLD stage 1, 70% at stage 2, and 5% at stage 3; no patients were classified at severity stage 4. Subjects with COPD were older, presented with greater comorbidity burden, and had more frequent multi-vessel coronary involvement. Conclusion. Patients with coronary artery disease carry a substantial risk of concurrent COPD. COPD in this population is frequently asymptomatic and therefore often goes undiagnosed. Systematic spirometric assessment of respiratory function in coronary artery disease patients appears warranted, as it enables the detection and staging of COPD and may contribute to improved monitoring and management of these patients.
Keywords: Coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Obstructive Ventilatory Disorder, irreversible airflow obstruction.