Ep. 120: Why Should I Care About VO2Max?

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Scientific researchers believe that cardiorespiratory fitness, in the form of VO2max, should be a vital sign that doctors consider alongside heart rate and blood pressure—and Medcan has just taken steps to incorporate a test designed to provide clients with an estimate of their VO2max level. So what is VO2max—and why should you care? This episode provides the ultimate cardiorespiratory fitness explainer. Co-hosted by Dr. Peter Nord and Dr. Andrew Miners, we provide background about the value and illustrate the effect it has on your longevity and quality of life.

LINKS

• Want to know your VO2max score? If you’re near Toronto or Oakville you can book your Annual Health Assessment at Medcan by calling (416) 350-3621 or emailing ClientService@Medcan.com. 

• Visit Dr. Peter Nord and Dr. Andrew Miners on LinkedIn.

• Check out Dr. Bob Ross’ bio and read about his research. 

• Follow Dr. Jordan Metzl on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Visit his website. 

• Learn about Dr. Metzl’s New York Times strength-training workout.

• The Coronary Heart Disease in London Busmen: A Progress Report With Particular Reference To Physique in Lancet, 1953, was one of the first studies showing that exercise is good for the heart. 

• Read up on more recent scientific research on cardiorespiratory fitness: 

  • Importance of Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Clinical Practice: A Case for Fitness as a Clinical Vital Sign: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association, 2016

  • Physical Fitness and All-Cause Mortality: A Prospective Study of Healthy Men and Women in JAMA 1989

INSIGHTS

1. Medcan recently added a VO2 sub-max test to its 5-hour Annual Health Assessment. Patients can now know their VO2max score, which “is highly correlated with longevity and overall wellness in the future,” says Dr. Peter Nord. [3:58]

2. “VO2max stands for the maximum volume of oxygen we use, per kilogram of body weight, per minute of exercise,“ explains Dustin Kahn. “As we get older, our VO2max generally lowers.” [6:26]

3. Your VO2max score gives you an accurate depiction of your cardiorespiratory fitness level. [The VO2 sub-max test] gives people… that window into their, into their health, and where they can make positive change in their behaviours,” says Dr. Andrew Miners. [9:16]

4. It wasn’t always common knowledge that exercise is good for our health, but thanks to massive amounts of research, healthcare providers are becoming more and more attuned to its multifaceted benefits for our physical health, mental health and longevity. [11:05]

5. The rest of us are catching onto the benefits of exercise, too. “When I look at older patients… I see a big disparity between the patients that have been active their whole life, and those that haven't,” says Dr. Miners. [13:41]

6. Experts are saying that our VO2max score should be considered a vital sign. “[It’s] a very important and unique feature of cardiorespiratory fitness… We believe it should be a routine measure in all clinical settings because it provides the practitioner with information that they can not otherwise get, no matter what they do,” says Dr. Bob Ross. [17:11] 

7. A VO2max test is not easy. The most accurate measurement involves a direct measurement of expired carbon dioxide as the patient is pushed to run on a treadmill until they surpass their maximum heart rate. The VO2 sub-max test, now part of the AHA, is much easier. [20:00]

8. Around 50 percent of your score is based on genetics. If you have a low VO2max score for your age and gender, you can still improve it with cardiovascular training. [23:36]

9. Engaging in regular aerobically challenging, high-intensity interval training is the best way to improve your VO2max. “It can be a 30 minute exercise bout. Every three, four or five minutes, [perform] a super high intensity sprint for 30 seconds or one minute,” says Dustin Kahn. [25:28]

10. Medcan is one of the first healthcare companies in the country to offer VO2 sub-max tests to the public, but the rest of the industry is headed in the right direction. “I think we're getting there. We've learned— over the last 5, 10, 15 years— the great medical benefits of a healthy VO2max,” says Kahn. [27:41]

*LEGAL

This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs. 

The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments. 

Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.

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