Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a persistent lung disorder caused by lung damage. The damage makes the airways grow and become irritated, which is also known as inflammation. This makes it hard for air to enter and leave the lungs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, a daily cough that produces mucus, and a tight, whistling sound in the lungs known as wheezing.
It’s common knowledge that smoking and pollution raise the risk of COPD. But would you be surprised to find that cholesterol might lower the risk of COPD? A new study indicates that there may be a link between lipid levels and COPD by looking at both genetics and observations.
The study’s research team used a dual-methodology strategy that combined a large-scale observational study with Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The observational study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study’s results show that medical professionals need to think about lipid metabolism while treating patients with COPD.
Monitoring lipid levels, particularly total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, and LDL-C, could significantly contribute to a patient’s overall care plan. Dr. Karishma Patwa of Manhattan Cardiology agrees: “The main point is that more research needs to be done on the link between lipidology and lung function.” Read the article.
