Lung Function Decline and Disease Risk From Young Adulthood to Middle Age

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States, but markers that predict risk of developing disease outside of cigarette smoking have not been identified. Individuals with lung disease frequently have concurrent cardiovascular disease, but the reason for this is not well understood. In this study, we will identify markers that predict risk of future lung disease and evaluate the concurrent subclinical evolution of lung and heart dysfunction. This will allow for targeting of preventive strategies to stop the rising incidence of COPD and other lung diseases and provide insights into why heart and lung disease frequently occur together.