Nice article. I like the stuff Jane Martin writes. She's so personable. And I really think that all of us COPDers need to be aware of how our hearts are doing, and develop heart-healthy habits. There have been times when I've had echocardiograms and other tests, and just last month I had a cardiac catheterization done to see uf there was a major problem with my heart. I had been hospitalized with severe chest pains, pain shooting up into my jaw, and lots of sweating. Classic symptoms of an MI in a woman. EKG didn't show much, but to be sure they wanted to do the cath the next day. They were especially concerned because I have COPD, and because of other factors, I haven't been getting much exercise.

Luckily, they didn't find any problems with the cardiac arteries or the aorta, and he didn't seem concerned with my "fluttery" feelings that I get sometimes. But it was sure a wake up call! Watch that diet, especially get lots of Omega-3 fatty acids, eat your fruits and veggies, and use only olive or canola oil. And get whatever exercise you can. It will make a big difference.

Hugs, Sue

I also read the article and it was very clear and good reading.
I read as much as I can about the heart. I didn't need to know that I have COPD and it can effect the heart among othere things.
But I knew already since being diagnoze back in 09.

I have abnormal EKG's it seems. They think I had an MI without knowing I had one. So forever I will show this MI. It scares the doctors and what I hate most they don't talk to me. New ones, old ones it don't matter they all don't talk! I wish they would share what they are thinking. I might be able to tell them I have abnormal EKG's and that will stop them from doing un nessary tests on me. But it goes on. everytime I go to an ER with chest pains I never see the same people.

I saw my regular doctor yesterday he ask me about my chest pains. I tell him I don't talk any more or tell anyone any more. I don't know which is real or not. And I cause so much trouble.
He ask me how they felt...I told my GP I have several different ones. He ask me about one pain. I told him yes I have that pain too. Anm I using my Ntro yes.

What does this all mean I have had since 2008 Oct. 3 ango's. The first one I had a stint put in my LAD. Since the other two didn't find anything for them to stint. I have other blockages they can't fix.
I have what is call, "Micro Viens"! They are very small and are block so I get more then most chest pains. So far they haven't kill me.

I have COPD and when I was in the hospital for the first Ango is when they found COPD....it took another 18 mo to find out I had COPD. Or was told about it.
I NEVER SMOKE but live with people who use to smoke. And at work. But I was expose to cemicals and dirt, etc. A bunch of different things probably cause me to have COPD.

I live with a part or little part of my left lung that is claps and I have those nogels and including new ones this year. I don't understand why or what with them? just they found new ones. So what? I don't understand.

Today even right now I have chest pains. My doctor ask me you stay out of the hospital for a month yesterday he memtion that to me with a smile. Yeah....I fig I will try not to go any more.

I resided myself to what I have and live with it.

I am not that bad with my copd. I am mild I think. They don't tell me much or if they have I forget a lot. I try triming bushes in the front yard. I was feeling like I could do it. Boy I did a couple and it was dark so I did it when I thought it was kooler...boy I felt like I could of kill myself by doing that.

I am so sorry for everyone....I am. I believe you all could use a big hug always. I feel like I am cheating by being here. I don't think I am that bad to be here time to time. I breath.
I do have fliar ups and that is hard to get over sometimes.

My Heart doctor that we fired in June/July was my cardo. I don't have a cardo now. she finally confess to my husband in their fight. I was sitting outside wasn't there for their fight.
Anyway she confess to my husband I have heart failure like the hospital said.
When this hospital wanted to transfer me in Feb to a bigger hospital my PA at the carod wouldn't let them.
I sign my self out because I was scared. I didn't know who to believe.
The Cardo keeps saying I didnt' have heart failure.....at that time

When I needed the cardo to my my recent surgery.....she threaten me and even try to stop my surgery on my gallbladder. That is another story.

But I did have my gallbladder suregery with new doctors....
Anyway it turns out I do have heart failure but still don't believe it.

So here I am coming back now with diabetes 2 just told to me a few weeks ago.

I can't get on the program using different foods to eat....
I am having terrible time even realizing I am sick.

I think I have given up.

I too read the article.

I also have COPD and about 4 years ago had a severe exacerbation. I lost all energy was faint, and had what I referred to as heartburn type pain. When the Paramedicsn arrived they immediatly thought i was having a massive heart attack.After evaluation in the ER I was admitted to ICU smeared with Nitro Paste (which gave me a horrible headache) after leaving ICU and went to the telemetry unit within 12 hours I was back in ICU on a respirator and in congestive heart failure!! To make a long story short...it turned out I suffered from Tsako Tsubo Cardiomyopathy aka "The Broken Heart Syndrome" They claim my heart function is back to normal but I am still very weak and can no longer tolerate temperature changes (hot or cold).I get dizzy frequently and have little strength I lost close to 20 pounds and 4 years later I am still trying to gain it back. I weigh 92 lbs soaking wet and am still having difficulties gaining weight! My family only came to visit while I was in ICU then packed all my belongings in preparation of my death. When I was released from ICU I never was visited by anyone for 3 weeks all alone. They wouldn't even come and get me when I was discharged home...had to call a friend! I know first hand how the heart & lungs are connected!!!
Hugs and love to all...Laura