The cardiopulmonary continuum systemic inflammation as 'common soil' of heart and lung disease

Int J Cardiol. 2010 Nov 19;145(2):172-176. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.04.082. Epub 2010 Jun 8.

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic heart failure (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occur commonly in the presence of each other and are associated with similar systemic inflammatory reactions. Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. C-reactive protein (CRP) could represent the sentinel biomarker to all chronic diseases. Also, interleukin (IL)-6 may play a causal role in systemic inflammatory diseases. These complex interactions between heart and lung can be denoted as 'cardiopulmonary continuum'. Common risk factors induce systemic inflammatory processes which lead to progression of atherosclerotic diseases as well as COPD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coronary Artery Disease / complications*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / pathology
  • Heart Failure / complications*
  • Heart Failure / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / complications*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / pathology
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / complications*
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / pathology