Lung Illness Linked to Heart, Bone Problems

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As for osteoporosis, Shale said the research suggests that COPD may cause premature aging by quickening the decline of both bones and arteries.

Dr. Peter Calverley, a professor of respiratory medicine at The University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, who's familiar with the study findings, said the research adds to existing knowledge by linking both heart disease and osteoporosis to COPD.

He agreed that these conditions could be related to an inflammatory signal that arises from the lungs. The bottom line, according to Calverley, is that doctors and patients should know that this type of lung disease is "a good marker for other bad stuff." That means that doctors treating COPD should also look for both heart and bone disease in patients.

The next step, he said, is to figure out exactly how lung disease might cause other problems. "If we understood that, we might be able to change it," he said.

More information

To learn more about COPD, visit the American Lung Association.