Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Overview

In Cardiac Care, Resources

COPD Fast Facts

COPD Sufferer

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-threatening lung disease that interferes with normal breathing – it is more than a “smoker’s cough”.
  • More than 3 million people died of COPD in 2012, which is equal to 6% of all deaths globally that year.
  • More than 90% of COPD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
  • The primary cause of COPD is tobacco smoke (through tobacco use or second-hand smoke).
  • The disease now affects men and women almost equally, due in part to increased tobacco use among women in high-income countries.
  • COPD is not curable, but treatment can slow the progress of the disease.

Facts provided by the World Health Organization.

Educational Resources Section
Provided by The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Smart Steps Fact Sheet about COPD.
Help raise awareness and understand the diagnosis process,

Better Talk Means Better Treatment.
To learn about communication barriers that exist between providers and patients,

Get the Most from Your Office Visit.
Make the most of your time with your health care provider.

Talking with Your Patients about COPD.
Start the conversation about COPD with your patients.