INTERDISCIPLINARY REFERRAL PATHWAYS FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE AND HEART FAILURE – A CONSENSUS OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS, PULMONOLOGISTS, AND CARDIOLOGISTS

Abstract

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) often occur in the same patient and significantly worsen the clinical course of these diseases, increasing the risk of hospitalization and mortality, while reducing quality of life. The coexistence of COPD and HF is determined by common risk factors and overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms, while similar symptoms and the overlap of certain diagnostic test results complicate early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and optimal treatment. Therefore, the care of patients with COPD and/or HF should be based on the collaboration of medical specialists, ensuring timely identification of comorbidities, coordinated diagnostics, rational referral for specialist consultations, and evidence-based treatment. This agreement, prepared by family physicians, pulmonologists, and cardiologists, provides practical recommendations for the interdisciplinary assessment of patients with COPD and HF and the establishment of early diagnosis. The goal of the agreement is to facilitate clinical decision-making, improve collaboration among different healthcare sectors, and optimize the patient treatment process as well as long-term clinical outcomes.