Londono KL, et al. - Experts attempted to determine if a prior chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis exerted an impact on the patients’ prognosis in early stages of heart failure (HF). It was determined that the prior diagnosis of COPD served as an independent risk factor for 1-year readmission and mortality, along with older age, higher admission creatinine and potassium values, and a higher number of chronic therapies. In a 'real-life' cohort of elderly patients experiencing a first episode of acute HF, data reported that the presence of a prior diagnosis of COPD was common. Moreover, it conferred a higher risk of adverse outcomes (death or readmission) during the year following discharge.