VO2 Max
Your VO2 Max is known to be the strongest predictor of your lifespan and longevity¹.
This metric measures the maximum rate at which your body can take in, transport, and utilize oxygen during periods of intense exercise. The higher your VO2 max is, the more efficiently your heart and lungs can supply blood to your muscles for you to extract and use.
To test one’s VO2 max, a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) is performed. This tests consists of a monitored, progressive exercise session that measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.
It also provides you with detailed information about your heart rhythm, breathing, and vitals, and provides you with your VO2 max value.
About the Test
Research
A recent study analyzed 5,107 men over the course of 46 years, and found that their cardiorespiratory fitness (specifically their VO2 max) positively correlated to their longevity.
They also found that the benefits of having a higher VO2 max extended into their later life².
1. Kokkinos, P., Faselis, C., Samuel, I. B. H., Pittaras, A., Doumas, M., Murphy, R., Heimall, M. S., Sui, X., Zhang, J., & Myers, J. (2022). Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Mortality Risk Across the Spectra of Age, Race, and Sex. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 80(6), 598–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.05.031
2. Clausen, J. S. R., Marott, J. L., Holtermann, A., Gyntelberg, F., & Jensen, M. T. (2018). Midlife Cardiorespiratory Fitness and the Long-Term Risk of Mortality: 46 Years of Follow-Up. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72(9), 987–995. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.06.045