Why Does Smoking Affect VO2?
About VO2 VO2, or VO2 max, is the maximum amount of oxygen that the body can use in one minute. There are several factors that affect VO2 max, including muscle mass, blood oxygen levels, lung capacity and general fitness level. A fit person with more muscle mass will access more oxygen per minute than someone with less mass. At the same time, a person with diminished lung capacity takes in less oxygen, making less oxygen available, thereby lowering the maximum amount of oxygen that the body can use per minute. When it comes to smoking, there are three major factors that affect VO2 max: carbon monoxide, lung function and blood circulation. Smoking and Carbon Monoxide Cigarette smoke contains several dangerous gases and chemical compounds, including carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it binds very easily with red blood cells–so easily that the cells often bond with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. However, the body is not able to break down carbon monoxide and acces
