COPD: SAD, Hyperinflation and Cardiovascular Risk

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex and heterogeneous condition in which small airways disease (SAD) and lung hyperinflation play a central, yet often under‑recognised, role. Beyond driving symptoms and functional limitation, these mechanisms may also contribute to increased cardiopulmonary risk and poorer long‑term outcomes.¹^–³

In this ENGAGE educational webinar, Clinical Pharmacist Monbi Stefanova Chakma outlines the pathophysiology of small airways disease, examining its relationship with hyperinflation, exacerbations and quality of life.

Designed to support informed, patient‑centred decision‑making, this webinar aims to deepen healthcare professionals’ understanding of COPD beyond airflow limitation. Through a review of current evidence and clinical insights, the session will support healthcare professionals to recognise of the broader implications of SAD, hyperinflation and consider how a more holistic understanding of respiratory–cardiovascular interplay may help inform patient assessment and management.

References

1. Crisafulli E, Pisi R, Aiello M, et al. Role of small airways in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiration. 2017;93(1):32–41.

2. Usmani OS, Singh D, Spinola M, Bizzi A, Barnes PJ. The small airways and their role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2021;96(9):2448–2463.

3. O’Donnell D.E, Laveneziana P. Physiology and consequences of lung hyperinflation in COPD. European Respiratory Review. 2007; 15(100): 61-67.

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• Monbi Stefanova Chakma

  Clinical Pharmacist and final year PhD candidate

  Read biography
  Monbi Stefanova Chakma

  Clinical Pharmacist and final year PhD candidate National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London

  Role and Location
  Monbi Stefanova Chakma is a Clinical Pharmacist and final year PhD candidate at the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College . 

  Education
  She qualified as a pharmacist from King’s College London, during which she collaborated with researchers at Keimyung University, South Korea and industry partners at Intertek, focusing on drug delivery devices and inhalable formulations.

  Research
  Monbi’s PhD integrates patient physiology and psychology in the development of inhaler devices, with a particular focus on dry powder inhalers and the impact of airflow resistance.

  She has showcased her research at leading conferences in the respiratory field, where she has also chaired sessions on inhaler technology (e.g. Drug Delivery to the Lungs 2019, European Respiratory Society 2022-2024, International Society for Aerosols in Medicine 2023-2025)

  Monbi also has a keen interest in small airways disease and its impact on respiratory conditions.