Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Navigate the Cardiovascular Implications of COPD

with Digital Vascular Biomarkers

Fast Fact

16M

In the United States, COPD affects nearly 16 million adults, and many more do not know they have it.¹

The Connection Between Arterial Stiffening and COPD

Patients with COPD have increased arterial stiffness and blood pressure in comparison with controls matched for age and smoking status.
Mills NL, Miller JJ, Anand A, Robinson SD, et al.
BMJ Thorax
Individuals with severe and very severe had significantly increased central arterial stiffness when compared with non-COPD subjects.
Qvist L, Nilsson U, Johansson V, et al.
European Clinical Respiratory Journal
Patients with COPD have increased arterial stiffness and other abnormalities in the systemic vasculature
Maclay JD, McAllister DA, Mills NL, et al.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

Arterial Stiffness and COPD

Arterial stiffness in COPD patients worsens cardiovascular issues and decreases oxygen delivery, thereby increasing the disease's complications. This condition, fueled by chronic inflammation, increases the heart's workload and risks of heart failure, leading to more frequent exacerbations and higher mortality. Effective management of arterial stiffness is essential for improving COPD treatment outcomes.

Research Highlights

Power of Vascular Biomarkers

Vascular biomarkers offer essential insights into the cardiovascular aspects of COPD, particularly arterial stiffness, which is commonly elevated due to systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. These biomarkers enable clinicians to precisely evaluate arterial stiffness, facilitating focused cardiovascular management for COPD patients.

Utility of Vascular Biomarkers in COPD

The increase in aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients and the associated changes in pulse pressure and augmentation index (AIx) validate our hypothesis that increased arterial stiffness is a systemic complication of COPD.
Sabit R, Bolton CE, Edwards PH, Pettit RJ, et al.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
In patients with a combination of hypertension and COPD the increase in PWV, systolic and pulse pressure in the ascending aorta was observed, compared to patients with isolated hypertension or isolated COPD.
Aksenova TA, Gorbunov VV, Tsarenok SY.
Russian Therapeutic Archive
Increased pulse wave reﬂection, manifested as an increased AIx value, is independently associated with impaired lung function in children born at 25 weeks of gestation or less compared with term-born classmates at age 11 years. Importantly, these abnormal large vessel hemodynamics are not reﬂected in peripheral BP...
Bolton CE, Stocks J, Hennessy E, et al.
The Journal of Pediatrics

Vascular Biomarkers Explained

Vascular biomarkers are revolutionizing not only cardiovascular health management but also clinical research and personal wellness strategies.

These critical indicators offer a comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular system's health across a broad spectrum, from clinical trials to individual health monitoring. By assessing key markers such as endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and coronary flow reserve, they enable a nuanced understanding of cardiovascular risks and conditions.

This valuable insight facilitates early intervention, personalized health optimization, and the development of targeted treatments in clinical settings, significantly advancing patient care and wellness initiatives.

Brachial Blood Pressure

What it Is
Brachial blood pressure measures the pressure of blood at the brachial artery using a blood pressure cuff.

Why it Matters
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, both of which are leading causes of death in the US.

Central Blood Pressure

What it Is
Calculated using pulse wave analysis and a traditional brachial cuff, central blood pressure measures pressure at the root of the aorta.

Why it Matters
Central blood pressure reflects key vascular issues such as arterial stiffness, which makes it a more accurate predictor of subclinical cardiovascular disease than traditional brachial blood pressure alone.

Subendocardial Viability Ratio

What it Is
Subendocardial viability ratio measures the supply of blood that flows to your inner heart muscle in relation to demand.

Why it Matters
SEVR offers insight into how well a person’s heart can handle the stress of exercise.

Augmentation Pressure

What it Is
Augmentation pressure refers to the increase in central aortic pressure caused pressure wave reflection.

Why it Matters
A marker of arterial stiffness, elevated augmentation pressure is associated with cardiovascular risk factors as well as increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Augmentation Index

What it Is
An indirect measure of arterial stiffness that increases with age, augmentation index reflects the burden stiff arteries place on the heart.

Why it Matters
Chronic stress on the heart and the cardiovascular system can lead to heart failure and hypertrophy (enlarged heart).

Central Pulse Pressure

What it Is
The height of pressure at the heart, central pulse pressure shows the pressure to which key organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys are exposed.

Why it Matters
Central pulse pressure helps identify the risk of end organ damage to key organs like the brain, kidney and heart.

Medical Grade Heart Rate

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Pulse Wave Velocity

What it Is
Pulse wave velocity measures arterial stiffness.

Why it Matters
Increases in arterial stiffness are generally based on the loss of elasticity in the aorta artery walls over time and increases the strain on the heart from heightened pressures. Increased aortic stiffness using PWV is a validated predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

Hover over each biomarker above to learn more

Incorporate Vascular Biomarkers in the Management of COPD

Download Reimbursement Guide

In-Clinic

Enhance cardiovascular risk stratification and personalize management plans for COPD patients.
Tailor and adjust treatment strategies to improve health outcomes.
Reimbursable with CPT 93050.

At Home

Empower patients to actively manage their health by tracking changes in their biomarkers.
Integration with telemedicine enables ongoing patient-provider interaction and enhances personalized care.
Reimbursable with CPT 9945x & 99091.