Cardiopulmonary disorders are a group of diseases that affect the heart (cardio) and lungs (pulmonary).
Because both organs are connected by the circulatory system, they rely on one another to work properly, which means that abnormalities can move from one organ system to the next.
When the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood, normal oxygen transport in the lungs is decreased, resulting in shortness of breath.
An issue with the lungs, on the other hand, can make the heart work harder to deliver oxygen from the lungs and blood.
Cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the two most common kinds of cardiopulmonary disease (COPD).