 |
| Photo by CircaSassy. |
The most interesting research article I read last year was a report about the pace of aging among young adults as measured by a series of tests.
The article listed 18 biomarkers of aging. I only recognized 6 of them.
In an effort to better safeguard my health, I decided to learn about all of these biomarkers.
The biomarker FEV1 is an abbreviation for a common pulmonary function test. In other words, FEV1 measures lung health.
FEV is short for Forced Expiratory Volume. The 1 indicates the duration of 1 second.
How is the test administered?
The patient usually wears a nose clip and then is given spirometer, which has a mouth piece attached to a tube that is attached to a measuring device. (Today's version are much fancier than the spirometer pictured above.)
After taking a full, deep breath (maximum inspiration), the patient forcably exhales into the tube. The amount of air is measured for 1 second.
How are the results interpreted?
Then the result is a percentage of air predicted for height, weight, and ethnicity. Here is a breakdown of the test results:
- FEV1 greater 80% of predicted= normal
- FEV1 60% to 79% of predicted = Mild obstruction
- FEV1 40% to 59% of predicted = Moderate obstruction
- FEV1 less than 40% of predicted = Severe obstruction
- asthma
- COPD
- cystic fibrosis
- pulmonary fibrosis
The FEV1 test can exclude lung problems as the cause for shortness of breath (which may be a heart problem instead). FEV1 can also be administered to measure how well medicines are working to improve or maintain lung health.
[Note: I am not a physician. This post only seeks to raise awareness; it does not provide medical advice. Please see a licensed medical professional if you have concerns about your health.]
Why should physicians measure FEV1?
Why should people worry about their lung health, especially as they age?
Why should people worry about their lung health, especially as they age?
The CDC reports the following prevalence for COPD in 2000 in the US:
"Overall, 6.3% of U.S. adults (an estimated 15 million) have been told by a health-care provider that they have COPD (age-adjusted prevalence: 6.0%) (Table 1). Prevalence of COPD increased, from 3.2% among those aged 18–44 years to >11.6% among those aged ≥65 years." (emphasis added)
It's significant to note that chronic lower respiratory diseases became the third leading cause of death in 2008.
If you smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke, if you work or live in an environment with air pollution, if you have shortness of breath, if you have allergies, or if you have a history of respiratory problems, please work with your physician to improve your lung health.
Related:
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.