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Posted on Oct 04, 2002, 6 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
A study carried out over 29 years has found that a quick and simple test of pulmonary function can predict the long-term health of a patient. By measuring the patients forced expiratory volume (FEV1) it is possible to predict mortality in men for up to 20 years and more than 25 years in women. The results of the test can predict the likelihood of death from respiratory disease (cause mortality) and general medical problems (all-cause mortality), allowing patients to take early steps to improve their lifestyle in order to better their health.
A study carried out over 29 years has found that a quick and simple test of pulmonary function can predict the long-term health of a patient. By measuring the patients forced expiratory volume (FEV1) it is possible to predict mortality in men for up to 20 years and more than 25 years in women. The results of the test can predict the likelihood of death from respiratory disease (cause mortality) and general medical problems (all-cause mortality), allowing patients to take early steps to improve their lifestyle in order to better their health. The researchers found that pulmonary function was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in men and women, with each 1% increase in FEV1 being associated with a 1-1.5% decrease in all-cause mortality.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Chest 2000; 118: 656-664
