Abstract

Hypertension is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); its prevalence is currently unknown. The objectives of the study were to provide data on the prevalence of hypertension among the COPD patients. Systemic hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexist in the same patient, especially in the elderly. In this study of 106 patient 41(38.7%) patient found to have hypertension. Certain antihypertensive drugs can affect pulmonary function. Therefore, the management of such patients can present therapeutic challenges. The antihypertensive agents reviewed include diuretics, aldosterone receptor blockers, beta blockers, combined alpha and beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, calcium channel blockers, alpha-1 blockers, centrally acting drugs, direct vasodilators, and combinations of these drugs. Of these classes, calcium channel blockers and angiotensin II antagonists appear to be the best initial choices.