Smoking, Lung Function, Physical Performance and Latent Coronary Heart Disease in Presumably Healthy Middle‐Aged Men

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Abstract
During a cardiovascular survey comprising 2014 presumably healthy men aged 40–59 years, latent (previously undetected) coronary heart disease (CHD), lung function and physical performance were related to differences in smoking habits. The survey examination classified 1832 individuals as “normals” (without clinical signs/symptoms of CHD). Among the others, a strong suspicion of CHD was found in 115, of whom 105 had diagnostic coronary angiography. No angiography was performed in another 35 individuals with slight, albeit typical angina pectoris. The remaining 42 men were excluded from this presentation for various reasons. The following findings were obtained: 1) In the 69 men with positive coronary angiography, the extent of coronary atheromatosis was positively related to the number of cigarettes smoked. 2) The smoking habits of the 35 individuals with slight angina pectoris but no angiography did not differ from those of the “normals”. 3) Physical performance during a near maximal bicycle exercise test and lung function according to spirometry were strongly and negatively related to smoking (in “normals”). 4) Previous smokers and never-smokers among “normals” had almost identical lung function and physical performance.