Breathe Easier: 10 Amazing Activities Proven to Improve COPD Symptoms

6. Complications

If left untreated, COPD may lead to an increased risk for respiratory infections, such as the common cold, flu, and pneumonia. It can also cause heart problems by increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Quitting smoking has been shown to reduce this risk. COPD may also cause lung cancer and pulmonary hypertension, which is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries responsible for bringing blood to the lungs. Difficulty breathing can result in depression as the person affected may no longer be able to do the things they enjoy.