If you or someone you love is living with COPD, this new research could be a serious wake-up call.
While COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) already challenges lung health, it turns out that older patients with COPD are also at an increased risk of dying from pulmonary embolism (PE).
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot gets lodged in your lungs, blocking blood flow and causing life-threatening complications. For those aged 65-85 years with COPD, the risk of fatal PE is much higher than previously thought.
But don’t panic—there are ways to reduce this risk, and it starts with understanding the problem.
Let’s break down what this new research means and how you can take steps to protect yourself.
COPD Patients at Higher Risk for Fatal PE
At the 2024 American College of Chest Physicians Annual Meeting, researchers presented data showing that patients with COPD, particularly those between 65 and 85 years of age, are at significantly higher risk for PE-related death than their peers without COPD.
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers analyzed deaths caused by PE between 1999 and 2020. The study found that in patients aged 75-79, the risk of dying from a PE was 44 percent higher than expected.
Why? COPD creates inflammation and damage to the lungs, which can increase the likelihood of blood clots forming.
And as we age, the risk of developing blood clots naturally rises, putting older adults with COPD in an especially dangerous situation.
Why Pulmonary Embolism Is So Dangerous
A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot blocks one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, preventing proper blood flow and oxygenation. This is a serious medical emergency that can lead to sudden death if not treated promptly.
For seniors with COPD, the combination of compromised lung function and the potential for blood clots becomes even more perilous. COPD already restricts airflow, and if a PE further reduces oxygen in the blood, the results can be catastrophic.
The Need for Personalized Prevention
So what can you do if you have COPD and fall into this age group? Experts recommend personalized, targeted prevention measures—particularly thromboprophylaxis.
Thromboprophylaxis refers to treatments that prevent blood clots from forming in the first place. This can include prescription medications like blood thinners, but there are also natural ways to improve circulation and reduce clotting risk.
If you have COPD, especially if you are between 65 and 85, it may be time to have a discussion with your doctor about proactive blood clot prevention. Not every patient will need the same level of treatment, which is why individualized assessments are so important.
In addition to medical treatments, there are natural steps you can take to lower your risk of both COPD flare-ups and PE. Here are a few to consider:
- Stay Active: Even light exercise like walking can help keep blood moving through your body, reducing the chances of blood clots. If you have COPD, regular movement can also improve lung function and overall health.
- Hydration Is Key: Dehydration can cause blood to thicken, increasing the likelihood of clots.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet: COPD is an inflammatory condition, so it’s important to eat foods that reduce inflammation in your body. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower inflammation and help prevent blood clots. Leafy greens, salmon, and walnuts are great options.
- Compression Socks: If you spend long periods sitting, like during travel or while watching TV, compression socks can help improve circulation and prevent blood clots from forming in your legs, a common source of pulmonary embolisms.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major cause of COPD, but quitting can slow the progression of the disease and lower your risk of both COPD complications and PE. It’s never too late to quit!
COPD is challenging enough on its own, but this new research highlights how crucial it is to be aware of the added risks, like pulmonary embolism, that come with it.
For seniors aged 65 to 85, the stakes are even higher, but with the right preventative measures, you can lower your risk and live a healthier, fuller life.
Remember, staying active, eating well, and taking care of your lungs and heart are all key steps in reducing your risk of pulmonary embolism.
P.S. A “knack” for helping COPD patients BREATHE easier.
Sources:
Osterweil, N. (2024, October 21). Older Patients With COPD at Increased Risk for PE-Associated Death. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/older-patients-copd-increased-risk-pe-associated-death-2024a1000j6c
