In the last decade, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been
considered a syndrome with multiple phenotypical
facets and systemic components. Chronic diseases are
associated, in time, with several comorbidities.
Cardiovascular pathology represents the most common
comorbidity in COPD, increases its handicap and
mortality indices. Most entities associated with
cardiovascular pathology require treatment with
β-blockers. However, β-blockers are a “two-edged
sword” when administered in obstructive pulmonary
disorder. The use of β-blockers should be assessed
by their action on three areas: their effect on
FEV1, their effect on bronchial hyperreactivity, the
result obtained when additionally administering
β-agonists. The result of β-blocker administration
is influenced by the involvement of several other
factors: the cardioselectivity of the β-blocker, the
dosage, the concomitant administration of
β-agonists, the stage of the disease (stable or
exacerbation of COPD), smoker status, etc. Their
administration under strict monitoring results in a
decreased morbidity and mortality, including in
patients who had undergone cardiovascular surgery.
The overall conclusion is that β-blockers may be
administered in COPD associated with cardiac
comorbidity, but this administration requires utmost
care.
Key words: beta blockers, COPD,
cardiovascular comorbidities.