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Mortality associated with respiratory function and symptoms in advanced age. The Framingham Study
P D Sorlie1, W B Kannel, G O'Connor
1Field Studies and Biometry Branch National, Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Reduced lung function, specifically lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1/ht2), predicts mortality in younger adults and older women. However, in older men, respiratory symptoms like dyspnea are stronger indicators of death risk.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cigarette smoking and respiratory symptoms are known to affect lung function.
- Previous studies have linked pulmonary function to mortality, but age and sex-specific differences require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between pulmonary function measures, smoking, respiratory symptoms, and subsequent mortality in a large cohort.
- To investigate potential differences in these relationships based on age and sex.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 3,133 participants from the Framingham Study (1972-1976).
- Pulmonary function (FEV1/ht2, FVC/ht2) and respiratory symptoms were assessed.
- Mortality data was collected over a subsequent 10-year period.
- Statistical analyses adjusted for age, smoking, and respiratory symptoms.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary function measures were lower in women, older individuals, smokers, and those with respiratory symptoms.
- Lower FEV1/ht2 was inversely related to mortality in men and women under 70 and women over 70, after adjustments.
- In men over 70, FEV1/ht2 was not associated with mortality, but dyspnea indicated increased death risk.
Conclusions:
- Standardized lung function (FEV1/ht2) is a significant predictor of mortality in younger and some older populations.
- The association between lung function and mortality differs by age and sex, with dyspnea being a critical factor in older men.
- These findings highlight the importance of assessing pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms for mortality risk stratification across different demographic groups.