Packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and oxygen saturation changes in healthy smokers and non-smokers

Abstract

We have investigated the relationship between cigarette smoking, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2) in 114 non-smokers, 66 light smokers (1-20 cigarettes a day), and 50 heavy smokers (over 20 cigarettes a day) aged 20-75 years. Packed cell volume was greater in female heavy smokers (p < 0.001) over 40 years of age and in all female smokers over 60 years (p < 0.001) than in non-smoking contemporaries. Haemoglobin concentrations were higher in 40-59 year old female heavy smokers (p < 0.05) and in male and female light (p < 0.05) and heavy smokers (p < 0.001) over 60 years of age than in non-smoking contemporaries. Sao2 was lower in 20-39 year old male heavy smokers (p < 0-02) and female (p < 0.05) light smokers and also in 40-59 year old male light and heavy smokers(p < 0.001) and female light smokers (p < 0.02) than in non-smoking contemporaries. It was also lower in female light (p < 0-05) and heavy (p < 0.02) smokers over 60 years, whereas it was higher in male light smokers over 60 (p < 0.001). Changes in Sao2 were seen at a younger age than changes in haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume.