MyCOPDTeam

Yes, COPD can contribute to heart failure. When the lungs aren't working well, the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood through the body. Over time, this extra strain — especially on the right side of the heart — can lead to a type of heart failure.

Research shows that heart failure is significantly more Show Full Answer

Yes, COPD can contribute to heart failure. When the lungs aren't working well, the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood through the body. Over time, this extra strain — especially on the right side of the heart — can lead to a type of heart failure.

Research shows that heart failure is significantly more common in people with COPD (around 18.8%) compared to those without it (around 1.6%). That's a big difference worth being aware of. There are also shared risk factors that make both conditions more likely to occur together:

- Smoking – damages both the lungs and blood vessels
- Chronic inflammation – COPD causes ongoing lung inflammation that can also affect the heart
- Age – the risk of both conditions increases as we get older
- Sedentary lifestyle – limited physical activity raises the risk for both

A MyCOPDTeam member shared: "I have heart failure now. The swelling on my ankles and legs has gone down, but I'm still struggling to walk."

The good news is that many steps to manage COPD — like quitting smoking, eating well, and staying as active as safely possible — also help protect the heart. Keeping all your doctors informed and attending regular check-ups is really important for staying on top of both.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Heart Failure and COPD: What’s the Connection?