Complications

COPD can cause many complications, including:

• Respiratory infections. People with COPD are more likely to catch colds, the flu and pneumonia. Any respiratory infection can make it much more difficult to breathe and could cause further damage to lung tissue.
• Heart problems. For reasons that aren't fully understood, COPD can increase your risk of heart disease, including heart attack
• Lung cancer. People with COPD have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
• High blood pressure in lung arteries. COPD may cause high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to your lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
• Depression. Difficulty breathing can keep you from doing activities that you enjoy. And dealing with serious illness can contribute to the development of depression.