Inhaler Overuse Linked To Heart Risks In Asthma And COPD Patients

FRIDAY, Aug. 28, 2026 (HealthDay News) — For people with asthma or COPD, reaching for a rescue inhaler too often may be a warning sign — not just for their lungs, but for their heart.

It's estimated nearly 1 in 5 asthma patients and 1 in 3 COPD patients overuse these products.

Researchers analyzed real-world health data from more than 280,000 asthma and COPD patients in Belgium.

They found frequent use of short-acting reliever inhalers, also called bronchodilators, was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death, including heart failure, heart attack and ischemic stroke.