Carboxyhaemoglobin Levels in Older British Men
Author Information
Author(s): Whincup Peter, Papacosta Olia, Lennon Lucy, Haines Andrew
Primary Institution: St George's, University of London
Hypothesis
What are the levels of carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) and their determinants in older British men?
Conclusion
Smoking, particularly cigarette smoking, is the dominant influence on COHb levels in older British men.
Supporting Evidence
- 9.2% of men had COHb levels of 2.5% or more.
- Active smoking accounted for 41% of variance in COHb levels.
- Mean COHb levels were more than ten times greater in men smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day compared to non-smokers.
Takeaway
This study found that many older men have higher levels of a harmful substance from carbon monoxide, mostly because they smoke cigarettes.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study measuring COHb levels in blood samples from 4252 men aged 60–79 years across 24 British towns.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported smoking habits and the exclusion of non-smokers from some analyses.
Limitations
The study may underestimate COHb levels as non-responders were likely to be heavier smokers.
Participant Demographics
Men aged 60–79 years from various regions in Britain.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 19.5 to 29.2%
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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