The investigators will recruit 100 outpatients, heavy smokers (20 pack/years), older than 65 years, diagnosed with COPD. COPD is defined by presence of fixed airflow limitation: post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) less than 70% according to spirometry classification from Global Inititiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. Each patient will be characterized by medical history, physical examination, and smoking history. Each patient will perform pulmonary function test, including reversibility to inhaled bronchodilator (400 mcg albuterol), and 6-minute walk test. Arterial blood gases and routine blood test, including inflammatory biomarkers, will also examined. In addition, each patient will undergo chest X-ray, thorax CT scan, echocardiography, and carotid ultrasonography.
At enrollment, all patients will be in stable condition (no changes in medication dosage or frequency, no COPD exacerbation or hospital admissions in the previous 4 weeks). Clinical and biological follow-up will be prospectively followed for 3 years.
