A meta-analysis found cardiac arrhythmias in 15% of patients hospitalized with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), with higher prevalence in older adults and developed countries. 

Advanced age and elevated CRP were key risk factors, while long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) lowered arrhythmia risk (OR 0.42). 

Arrhythmias tripled in-hospital mortality risk (RR 3.33), with atrial fibrillation further increasing death risk (RR 3.70). 

These findings highlight the prognostic impact of arrhythmias in AECOPD and support routine ECG monitoring and personalized risk assessment to improve patient outcomes.

Source: BMC | [Read Full Story](https://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-and-risk-factors-of-arrhythmias-in-patients-with-acute-exac-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-COPD)