- Abstract -

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.