LUNG-FUNCTION AND RISK OF MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION AND SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH

In a search for risk factors for myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, the mean total vital capacity as measured at multiphasic health checkups was lower in persons who had later had a first myocardial infarction than in risk-factor-matched controls (3.17 vs. 3.29 l, 395 pairs, P < 0.05) and non-risk-factor-matched controls (3.16 vs. 3.41 l, 401 pairs, P < 0.001). Findings were affected little by age and height adjustments and were similar for sudden cardiac death. The 1st-s vital capacity was also inversely related to later development of these conditions, but the ratio of that measurement to total vital capacity was not. Heavy smoking, productive cough, exertional dyspnea and cardiac enlargement were associated with diminished total vital cpaacity. However, exclusion of subjects with these findings did not reduce the predictive value of total vital capacity. Diminished vital capacity deserves continued attention as a possible coronary risk factor. Its relation to subsequent coronary events is not well explained.