When was the last time your doctor mentioned your VO2 max? Probably never. Yet, this simple measure—how well your body uses oxygen during exercise—offers important insights into heart and lung health. Previously a tool for elite athletes, VO2 max is now making its way into clinical medicine, and for good reason.
Dr. Asare Christian, a longevity expert and founder of Aether Medicine, describes VO2 max as “one of the most important predictors of both the length and quality of life.” “VO2 max reflects the coordinated ability of your lungs, heart, blood vessels, muscles, and mitochondria to take in, distribute, and use oxygen to produce energy,” Brady Holmer, an endurance athlete and author of “VO2 Max Essentials,” told The Epoch Times.
He calls it a critical “vital sign” for longevity and overall well-being. When you exercise, your body demands more oxygen. Your lungs take in the oxygen, and your heart pumps it through your blood to reach the muscles, where it’s used to produce energy.
VO2 max measures how effectively your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles work together to intake, transport, and use oxygen. A higher VO2 max means your body delivers oxygen to muscles more efficiently, supporting energy production and strengthening your heart, lungs, and cells. “The higher your VO2 max, the more efficiently your lungs, heart, and cells can absorb and utilize oxygen, which is directly linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even.