Abstract 13900: Reduced Lung Function is a Predictor of Sudden Cardiac Death in Men

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that reduced pulmonary function is related to an increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular events. However, little is known about the association of reduced pulmonary function and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Our aim was to examine the relation of forced expiratory volume with SCD in a population based sample of men.

Methods: This prospective study was based on 1342 men 42 to 60 years of age at baseline. The lung function test was measured by the forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) using standard spirometry at baseline.

Results: During the 17-year follow-up, 95 SCDs occurred. As a continuous variable, each 10% increase in forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) was associated with a 18% (adjusted risk 0.82, 95% confidence intervals 0.73 to 0.93, p<0.002) reduced risk for SCD. Subjects with most (lowest quintile) reduced FEV₁ had a 3.5-fold risk for SCD (95 % confidence Intervals 1.42 to 8.41, p=0.006), after adjustment for established risk factors (age, smoking, alcohol consumption, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, serum LDL and HDL cholesterol, prevalent myocardial infarction heart disease, type II diabetes, and C-reactive protein). In addition to forced expiratory volume, smoking, prevalent myocardial infarction, systolic blood pressure, and type II diabetes, were independently associated to the risk of SCD. Among non-smokers the results remained statistically significant.

Conclusions: Reduced lung function is a predictor of SCD in middle-aged men. Lung function test may be useful in risk stratification for SCD in general population.