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How To Evaluate Risk Of Pulmonary Disease?

Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014

Question: I am 52 years old (born in 1962). I smoked a half a pack of cigarettes a day from 1985 to 1991 and then a pack day from 1991 to 1998 at which I quit altogether. Unfortunately, 5/6 years (2003-2004) later I started again (insane job stress). I smoked for 5 years and quit again in 2009. I hadn't smoked since but fell off the smoking wagon for about a week in August. I am very concerned about the state of my lungs and circulatory system. I am 6' and 190. I had a complete cardiac workup last year including ekg, nuclear stress test, echocardiogram which all came back great. My cholesterol has been perfectly controlled by Lipitor and Tricor for almost 20 years now. I hiked 14 miles over a flat surface a couple weeks ago with no problem at all. Can you give me a very basic understanding of my lungs and circulator risk, condition etc.? Thanks! XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Chest X-ray&respiratory function test needed...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

1. It is great that you are having annual check ups to keep tracking health problems in time.

2. To evaluate the risk of pulmonary disease, I advise to run:
- chest X-ray
- respiratory function tests

3. Smoking and other bad habits increases chances for lung cancer and/or for any other health problems including heart and circulatory system.

At the end. I need to have the above-mentioned tests reports to determine the risk for cardio-vascular problems.

If all the examinations are fine, it means, that for the moment your risk is low. If you continue smoking, the risk will be increased by time.

All the best!
Dr.Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T