Overuse of inhalers found to increase heart attack risk in asthma and COPD patients

A recent study published in ERJ Open Research reveals that overuse of short-acting bronchodilators in asthma and COPD patients can elevate the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. These reliever inhalers, designed to provide quick relief during severe symptoms, are often overused when asthma or COPD is not well-managed with preventer treatments.

According to Professor Lies Lahousse from Ghent University and Erasmus MC Rotterdam, around 20% of asthma patients and 30% of COPD patients overuse these inhalers.

The research analyzed data from over 280,000 patients in Belgium, finding that increased use of short-acting bronchodilators led to a 12% to 14% higher risk of death in asthma patients and a 73% to 36% higher risk in COPD patients. Using three or more inhalers per year amplified these risks. Patients without a prior history of cardiovascular disease were particularly vulnerable.

Lahousse emphasized that overuse of short-acting bronchodilators signals poorly controlled airway inflammation and warrants a medical evaluation of treatment. Patients should be informed that these inhalers only provide temporary relief, and uncontrolled asthma and COPD already raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Combining overuse of these inhalers with their side effects, such as faster, irregular heart rates, exacerbates these risks.

The study's authors suggest that stricter adherence to maintenance treatment and cardiovascular risk assessment could mitigate these risks. They also propose investigating whether monitoring short-acting bronchodilator overuse in primary care could prompt healthcare providers to more closely monitor patients' lungs and disease management.

Dr. Pavol Pobeha from the European Respiratory Society emphasized the importance of improved monitoring systems to alert patients and doctors when overuse occurs, helping to maximize medication benefits while minimizing risks.