Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis co-morbidity: thromboembolic disease and coronary artery disease

Abstract

Over the past decade, it has been increasingly recognized that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are at risk of both venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) and coronary artery disease (CAD). When present, these co-morbid conditions negatively affect outcomes. For this disease without effective therapy to improve survival, increased diagnosis and treatment of these co-morbid processes may improve outcomes. Better understanding of the mechanisms that place IPF patients at increased risk of VTE and CAD may also ultimately lead to novel therapeutic interventions.