Introduction.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the diseases with the highest prevalence and mortality rates worldwide. In Spain, it is the third leading cause of death. Tobacco is its main risk factor, so it is a preventable disease. We can define it as a complex and heterogeneous syndrome that conditions both quality of life and the aging of those who suffer from it, especially in the last decades of life, since it is accompanied by a not inconsiderable number of comorbidities that aggravate the evolution of the it.

Objectives.

To understand the most prevalent comorbidities in COPD, as well as their relationship and possible influence on the progress of the disease.

Material and methods.

Bibliographic search in Pubmed and Cochrane using the terms "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" AND "comorbidities", applying different filters during the search.

Results: The presence of comorbidity affects short and long term mortality. The relationship between comorbidity and COPD can be explained by the existence of systemic inflammation.

Discussion.

There is enough evidence to affirm that the presence of comorbidity is an unfavourable fact in terms of the evolution of the patient with COPD.

Conclusions.

A multidimensional assessment of the COPD patient is necessary, as well as comprehensive and individualized care.

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