Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in patients with ischemic heart disease: 15-year study

Aim. To characterize acquired chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Material and methods. Monitoring of external respiration function (ERF) was performed for 15 years in 1552 IHD patients on combined drug treatment. Results. The 15-year follow-up has revealed that IHD patients treated with beta-blockers develop pathological changes in respiration pattern manifesti ng primarily with dyspnea, obstructive and mixed ventilatory disorders, syn drome of early expiratory obstruction in affected small airways due to subn ormal lung elasticity, defective diffuse function, signs of terminal respir atory failure. Conclusion. IHD patients taking drugs need monitoring of ERF Optimal treatm ent consists in early diagnosis of IHD and COPD, adequate combined therapy with beta-blockers and bronchodilating drugs.