Mortality Associated with Respiratory Function and Symptoms in Advanced Age: The Framingham Study

Pulmonary function, cigarette smoking, and respiratory symptoms were determined in 3,133 men and women at the 13th examination of the Framingham Study (1972 to 1976). Deaths in the subsequent 10-yr period were identified. Forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity were standardized for body size by dividing by the square of the height (FEV1/ht2, FVC/ht2). As expected, mean values of these pulmonary function measures were lower in women compared to those in men, older participants compared to younger, smokers compared to nonsmokers, and those with respiratory symptoms compared to those without. In men and women under 70 yr of age and women over 70 yr of age, FEV1/ht2 was inversely related to mortality after adjustment for age, smoking, and respiratory symptoms. In older men, FEV1/ht2 was not related to mortality, but symptoms of dyspnea were associated with increased risk of death.