Long Term Nitric Oxide Bioavailability on Vascular Health in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects up to 14 million people and is among the top five leading causes of death worldwide. Although COPD is a disease of the lungs, recent evidence indicates that COPD is associated with multiple systemic consequences including vascular endothelial dysfunction. Recently, it has been suggested that more patients with COPD die from cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease than of direct pulmonary complications. Examination of the mechanisms that contribute to a reduction nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability resulting in vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with COPD are important as endothelial dysfunction has been indicated to be an independent predictor of future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and events.