COPD Burden in the US (IMAGE) NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Caption COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the US. Credit National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.