Evaluation of Hemoglobin Levels and Oxygen Saturation of Hemoglobin in Healthy Male Smokers and Nonsmokers
pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.Moreover, these physiological changes can significantly impact the overall quality of life and functional capacity of individuals who smoke.Assessing Hb and SpO 2 levels in smokers compared to nonsmokers provides valuable insights into the extent of these physiological impacts. 2 Understanding these differences can aid in clinical diagnosis, guide risk assessments for smoking-related diseases, and inform strategies for health interventions, including smoking cessation programs. IntroductIonSmoking remains a leading public health concern, widely recognized for its detrimental effects on health and its significant role in the development of various diseases.The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that tobacco use causes >8 million deaths annually, making it one of the primary preventable causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.The harmful effects of smoking extend beyond respiratory illnesses, influencing multiple systems within the body, including the cardiovascular and hematological systems.One of the critical physiological impacts of smoking is its contribution to hypoxia, a condition characterized by inadequate oxygen supply to tissues.Hypoxia can arise from several mechanisms related to smoking, with carbon monoxide (CO) exposure being a significant factor.When inhaled, CO binds with hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of Hb.This binding impairs the ability of Hb to transport oxygen, leading to decreased oxygen availability for vital bodily functions.Alterations in Hb levels and oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) are common consequences of smoking and have profound implications on health. 1 Decreased SpO 2 can lead to increased strain on the cardiovascular system and may contribute to the development of various smoking-related diseases, including chronic obstructive 1,
Authors
- Sivagangailakshmi V
- Raguraman A
Publication Details
- Journal
- National Journal of Physiology
- Published
- 2026-02-14
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.5005/njp-11056-0002
- Primary Topic
- Hemoglobin structure and function
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00