Phenotyping hospitalized exacerbations of COPD by underlying aetiology and interaction with cardiac disease

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently experience acute deteriorations ("exacerbations") which are common and dangerous, but remain poorly defined. Using comprehensive analyses of hospitalized exacerbations we identified that they usually result from multiple processes. With more detailed analysis of routine blood tests we identified markers with potential to help select the most appropriate treatment for individual patients. Finally we used cutting-edge CT technology which can capture images of a beating heart simultaneously with lung examination. These detailed heart and lung images were integrated with blood tests to identify the nature of heart disease in COPD.