Cardiovascular disease is up to five times more common in people with COPD, the largest systematic review to date finds.

The analysis of 29 studies published over a 15 year period found a nearly 2·5 times increased risk of cardiovascular disease overall, and a two to five times higher risk of major cardiovascular diseases.

According to the authors of the study the findings highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the coexistence of COPD and cardiovascular risks.

However the findings also suggested there was a need to re-assess the use of statins in selected high risk COPD populations, the authors concluded in the study published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine.