Arterial Stiffness Increases Over Time in Relation to Lung Diffusion Capacity: A Longitudinal Observation Study in COPD

Roeder and colleagues examined 76 COPD patients to assess augmentation index (AIx) changes over a 7-year period with indicators described in cross-sectional studies. AIx significantly increased over time with association to emphysema severity, systemic inflammation, and dyslipidemia in COPD patients. The study found AIx was independently associated with cardiovascular indicators including lung function impairment, hypoxia, inflammation, and sympathetic tone. Utilizing AIx could help predict progression of cardiovascular disease in COPD patients.