International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 5, May 2022 | pp. 33–40

DOI: 10.46882/2022/IJMMS/120033

Original Research Article

Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Fitness and Autonomic Function Indices among Chronic Heavy Cigarette Smokers

Festus M. Tetteh¹, Kingsley C. Amadi², Arthur J. Bond¹*

¹Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

²Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Chronic tobacco smoking impairs respiratory mechanics and disrupts autonomic cardiovascular regulation, elevating long-term cardiac mortality risks. This cross-sectional analytical study evaluated cardiopulmonary fitness indices and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters among chronic heavy cigarette smokers. We enrolled 120 male heavy smokers (smoking ≥ 20 cigarettes/day for ≥ 5 years) and 120 age- and body mass index-matched healthy non-smoking controls. Pulmonary function was measured via spirometry, and aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) was evaluated using a standardized treadmill exercise protocol. Autonomic function was determined through short-term resting electrocardiographic HRV parameters. Smokers demonstrated significant reductions in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) (2.45 ± 0.34 L vs. 3.22 ± 0.38 L in controls, p < 0.01) and FEV1/FVC ratio (72.4 ± 4.5% vs. 82.8 ± 3.2%, p < 0.01). The mean aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) was also significantly lower in the smoking cohort (32.4 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min vs. 41.8 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min, p < 0.01). HRV analysis revealed marked autonomic imbalance in smokers, characterized by decreased root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) (21.4 ± 3.5 ms vs. 36.8 ± 5.2 ms, p < 0.01) and elevated low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) ratios (2.45 ± 0.42 vs. 1.22 ± 0.25, p < 0.001), indicating sympathetic overactivity. Chronic heavy smoking induces significant ventilatory impairment, reduces physical endurance, and triggers autonomic dysregulation. Public health anti-smoking campaigns and smoking cessation programs are vital to lower cardiorespiratory risks. [1]

Keywords: Cigarette Smoking, Spirometry, Aerobic Capacity, Heart Rate Variability, Autonomic Dysregulation, Pulmonary Function

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 10, 2022; Revised: March 18, 2022; Accepted: April 12, 2022; Published: May 13, 2022.

Citation: Tetteh FM, Amadi KC, Bond AJ. Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Fitness and Autonomic Function Indices among Chronic Heavy Cigarette Smokers. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2022, 12(5): 33–40. DOI: 10.46882/2022/IJMMS/120033

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