Background: Passive smoking increases the risk of occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. One of the parameters used to estimate cardiopulmonary functional capacity is the maximum consumption of oxygen (VO2 max). VO2 max reflects the maximum capacity of absorption, transportation and consumption of oxygen (O2). It is the most influential parameter of a person’s physical conditioning and is an independent and objective measure for the prognosis of cardiovascular disease. The effects of passive smoking on cardiorespiratory parameter such as VO2 max were rarely addressed. Thus purpose of present study is to study VO2 max on passive smokers in urban population. Objective: To evaluate the effects of passive smoking on VO2 max among passive smokers Materials and Methods: Ninety male subjects aged between 17 and 25 years were placed in three different groups (Passive smokers, active smokers and nonsmokers) on the basis of questionnaire. Weight and height was measured. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was estimated using Bruce treadmill test. Results: VO2 max values were decreased significantly in active smokers when compared with passive smokers and control subjects. In present study VO2 max level in active smokers and passive smokers were decreased when compare to control subjects (p<0.0001). There was an inverse correlation between Body mass index (BMI) and VO2 max of passive smokers (p=0.06) and positive correlations between lean body mass, fat percent and VO2 max (p=0.60) (p=0.38), But these correlations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: VO2 max was significantly decreased in active smokers and passive smokers compared to non smokers. It is, therefore, concluded that the VO2 max is an important determinant of the ability of an individual to carry on extended work and is the best indicator of physical fitness.
