COPD: THE IMPACT OF COMORBID CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE ON THE LEVEL OF FRACTIONAL EXHALED NITRIC OXIDE

Abstract

At present, comorbid cardiovascular disease, especially coronary heart disease (CHD), becomes increasingly common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These nosologies are characterized by some similar symptoms, therefore, if patient has both diseases it is not always possible to determine the cause of health deterioration. Thus, it is relevant for physicians to search for a specific marker that would allow the differentiation of the condition’s data. In this context, determining the level of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is quite promising. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of CVD on FeNO levels and the possibility of using this indicator as a specific marker of COPD exacerbation. During the study, patients were divided into groups depending on the phase of COPD, as well as the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Spirometry was performed in all patients, as well as the determination of FeNO level in exhaled air. It has been found that the presence of cardiovascular diseases does not affect FeNO level in exhaled air in patients without bronchial obstruction, as well as in patients with COPD, regardless of phase. FeNO level in exhaled air was significantly higher in patients with COPD in exacerbation phase, regardless of the presence or absence of concomitant CVD as compared to COPD in remission, patients with cardiac disorders, and healthy people.

Keywords

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, fractional exhaled nitric oxide