Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global health burden, with respiratory failure being the primary cause of death in advanced stages. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer are also major contributors to mortality, particularly in mild-to-moderate COPD. The links between COPD and these conditions are not fully understood, but persistent low-grade pulmonary and systemic inflammation, which are risk factors for both conditions, may play a role. Lung-specific measurements like forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) predict mortality, but composite tools like the BODE index, which includes health status measurements and lung function, are more effective. The review discusses the role of comorbidities in COPD mortality, the potential pathogenic link through inflammation, and the tools used to predict mortality. It highlights the importance of addressing comorbidities in COPD management and the need for standardized reporting of causes of death and ICD codes.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global health burden, with respiratory failure being the primary cause of death in advanced stages. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer are also major contributors to mortality, particularly in mild-to-moderate COPD. The links between COPD and these conditions are not fully understood, but persistent low-grade pulmonary and systemic inflammation, which are risk factors for both conditions, may play a role. Lung-specific measurements like forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) predict mortality, but composite tools like the BODE index, which includes health status measurements and lung function, are more effective. The review discusses the role of comorbidities in COPD mortality, the potential pathogenic link through inflammation, and the tools used to predict mortality. It highlights the importance of addressing comorbidities in COPD management and the need for standardized reporting of causes of death and ICD codes.