Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing cause of global morbidity and mortality [1], and cardiovascular (CV) disease accounts for approximately 30% of excess mortality in this clinical setting [2]. It has been reported that, for each 10% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the risk of CV mortality increases by 30% in COPD patients [3]. Accordingly, FEV1 has been identified as an independent and strong predictor of CV disease and respiratory hospitalization, even in the clinically normal range [4].
