Cardiorespiratory endurance, or cardio capacity, is a fitness component that is measured to assess health and fitness levels. Assessing cardio endurance is based on determining how well your heart and lungs can provide fuel in the form of blood and oxygen to complete a continuous workout. Smoking restricts cardio capacity and is linked to an increased risk of a variety of illnesses and health problems.
History
While smoking increased in popularity in the 1900s, its negative effects were first noticed in the 1930s. It wasn't until 1957 that evidence was found linking smoking and lung cancer. In the 1960s studies reported health consequences of smoking. According to the U.S. Public Health Service, smoking was determined to be the leading cause of bronchitis and emphysema, diseases affecting the respiratory system. Between 1965 and 1970, the official statement that smoking was hazardous to your health appeared, particularly on cigarette labels.
Effects
Smoking has been identified as a primary, or major risk factor for respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Additional consequence of smoking include increased blood pressure and blood clots and delays in healing of injuries to muscles and bones. In 2008, 20 percent of adults were affected by diseases related to smoking. The American Lung Association found smoking to be the leading cause of preventable deaths with one in five deaths being attributed to smoking.
Function
Smoking has a negative impact on cardio fitness training. According to the Naval Health Research Center, non-smokers performed better on the 1.5-mile run compared to smokers. Cardio training increases the demand for oxygen moving through your lungs and bloodstream. Smoking impairs the ability to transport oxygen to the muscles to meet the increased demand of cardio training. This impairs your ability to breath to sustain continuous movement. In general, smoking decreases your tolerance for exercise.
Significance
While smoking affects smokers directly, there is an additional impact on non-smokers affected by second-hand smoke. Cigarettes contain cancer-causing chemicals that can be inhaled by nearby non-smokers. Second-hand smoke has been associated with increased asthma, colds and ear infections in children of smokers. In addition, it has been linked to sudden death syndrome in infants.
Solution
The message that smoking is hazardous to your health and cardiorespiratory function may be taking effect. In 2010, the American Lung Association reported that smoking has decreased by 50 percent between 1965 and 2008.
