COPD increases sudden cardiac death risk

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with approximately 30% increase in the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), according to a Dutch study that enrolled 13,471 people aged at least 45 years.

Of these, 1615 were diagnosed with COPD and 551 died from SCD. Overall, after allowing for age and sex, COPD was associated with a 34% increased risk of SCD. COPD was not associated with SCD in the 2000 days (5.48 years) after COPD diagnosis. However, SCD risk doubled 2000 days and more after COPD diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 2.12). The difference between other causes of SCD and controls emerged 'much earlier'.