Effect of Tobacco Smoke Exposure on Functional Capacity, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Physical Activity Level in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

It is known that tobacco smoke exposure is a risk factor for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In addition, tobacco smoke exposure can cause numerous health problems. This study aimed to compare functional capacity, respiratory muscle strength, and physical activity level between the patients with PAH who have or do not have tobacco smoke exposure.Methods: Seventeen patients with PAH who has tobacco smoke exposure and 20 nonsmoker patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Tobacco smoke exposure was defined as current smokers, ex-smokers, and passive smokers. The study outcomes included the maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurement, 6-minute walk test, and physical activity.Results: There was no significant difference for age, gender, body mass index, pulmonary arterial pressure, and functional class between the two groups (p>0.05). Inspiratory muscle strength (p=0.035), functional exercise capacity (p=0.040) and physical activity level (p=0.034) were lower in patients with tobacco smoke expose compared to the nonsmokers. Conclusion:The results of this study showed that functional capacity, respiratory muscle strength, and physical activity level were significantly lower in patients with tobacco smoke expose than the nonsmoker patients with PAH. These findings suggest that tobacco smoking is not only associated with PAH risk but also numerous health problems, specifically important ones for this population.