Why your VO2 max matters – Parkview Health

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Sports & Exercise, Family Medicine This post was written by Rakeshkumar Subramanian, MD, PPG – Pulmonology.VO₂ max measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It’s a common measurement for assessing cardiovascular health and endurance, as it reflects your aerobic fitness and shows how efficiently your heart, lungs and muscles work together. In this post, I answer common questions about this wellness metric.
 VO₂ max provides valuable insights into your cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. A higher VO₂ max indicates that your body delivers oxygen to your muscles efficiently, which is linked to better heart health, improved stamina and a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. It can also help predict physical performance and overall longevity.
 VO₂ max is typically measured during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) using specialized equipment that tracks the oxygen you inhale and exhale during exercise. There are also estimation methods using fitness trackers, apps or treadmill tests that factor in your heart rate, speed and exercise duration.
 A low VO₂ max may indicate reduced cardiovascular fitness, making daily activities feel more tiring and exercise more difficult. It may also suggest cardiovascular, lung or muscular issues, deconditioning or a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. People with a low VO₂ max often experience fatigue and have poor exercise tolerance.
 You can improve your VO₂ max by engaging in regular exercise. Activities like brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming and interval training strengthen your heart and lungs. Combining aerobic exercise with strength training and gradually increasing workout intensity over time can lead to significant improvements.
 As a pulmonologist, I use VO₂ max to assess a patient’s fitness for surgeries like a lobectomy or pneumonectomy. It also helps monitor progress during treatment or rehabilitation programs. Tracking VO₂ max assists in tailoring physical activity recommendations and identifying any underlying health concerns. 
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