Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Strategies and Their Cardiovascular Implications
Abstract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic airway inflammation, and significant functional impairment. In addition to pulmonary manifestations, the disease has significant systemic repercussions, particularly cardiovascular ones, which contribute significantly to a worsened prognosis. The present study aimed to analyze therapeutic advances in COPD, focusing on pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies and their cardiovascular implications. This is a systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, including studies published between 2021 and 2026. After applying the eligibility criteria, 36 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The results demonstrated that pharmacological therapies, especially long-acting bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and combination therapies, remain fundamental for symptom control and reduction of exacerbations. At the same time, non-pharmacological interventions, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, supervised physical training, non-invasive ventilation, and psychosocial support, showed significant benefits regarding functional capacity and quality of life. Additionally, a strong association was observed between COPD and cardiovascular diseases, including r heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and coronary artery disease. It is concluded that the contemporary management of COPD should be multidimensional, integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches combined with systematic cardiovascular assessment. Therapeutic personalization and multidisciplinary follow-up represent promising strategies for optimizing clinical outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality.
How to Cite This Article
Priscilla S D Montalvão, Nicole Oliveira Jordão, Thales Biffe Alves, José A N Neto, Jonhata N da Conceição, Ana Paula Valente Pinho Mafetano, Milena Zanqui Calegari, Ana Nogueira Ervilha, Maria Beatriz Mendonça Ventura, Rubens R Tutela, Lucas Pereira Sales Porto, Carlos Henrique B Figueiredo de Mendonça, Roselene de O Carvalho, Marco Aurélio S Couto, Délio Tiago M Malachias, Filipe J L Garcia, Wellington da Silva P da Cunha, Maria Eduarda Kartabil Machado de Souza, Nilda Cristina Prates, Dorvalino Correia da Silva Júnior, Yuri Prates Correia da Silva, Giovanna Moreira de Oliveira, Daniel Freitas dos SantosThiago Augusto Rochetti Bezerra, Joel Eloi Belo Junior (2026). Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Strategies and Their Cardiovascular Implications . International Journal of Biological and Biomedical Research (IJBBMR), 2(3), 41-51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54660/IJBBR.2026.2.3.41-51