While it has long been known that poor lung function can predict a coronary event, it was uncertain if different patterns of lung deterioration had the same ability to predict such events, whether non-fatal or sudden death.

The study that Suneela Zaigham et al. conducted, considered an analysis that included the adjustment of potential factors. This is what they found: 

• 1 standard deviation reduction in FEV₁ was associated with a Hazard Ratio (HR) for Sudden Cardiac Death of 1.23 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.15 - 1.31).

•   However, 1 standard deviation in FEV₁ was associated with a lower (but significant) risk of non-fatal events with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.08 (95% CI, 1.04 – 1.13; P (probability) for equal associations = .002).
• ·  The results were the same among participants who had never smoked, with a Hazard Ratio for Sudden Cardiac Death of 1.34 (95% Confidence Interval, 1.15 – 1.55). The HR for non-fatal events was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.02 – 1.21; P (probability) for equal associations =.038). 

Those figures show a higher risk of fatal coronary events than non-fatal ones, even in people whose lung function was slightly below the normal range (but still considered normal). Therefore, this suggests that there exists a relationship between lung health and Sudden Cardiac Death.

In fact, Dr. Zaigham reported that a low FEV₁ was indeed associated with both, Sudden Cardiac Death, and non-fatal coronary events; but in addition, a low FEV1 was strongly associated with the prediction of Sudden Cardiac Death.

She also suggests taking advantage of spirometry early in life, as this simple test can go a long way in stratifying the risk of Sudden Cardiac Death. In other words, the use of spirometry is a great tool to reduce cardiovascular risks.

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