FEV1/FVC

FEV1/FVC is a calculated ratio used in the diagnosis of obstructive and restrictive lung disease. It represents the proportion of a person's vital capacity that they are able to expire in the first second of forced expiration (FEV1) to the full, forced vital capacity (FVC). The result of this ratio is expressed as FEV1%.

Definition

The FEV1/FVC ratio is a calculated ratio in the field of pulmonology, which is used to identify the presence of obstructive lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a comparison of the amount of air a person can forcibly exhale in one second (FEV1) to the total amount of air that person can forcibly exhale (FVC).

Clinical significance

The FEV1/FVC ratio is a key measure in diagnosing obstructive and restrictive lung disease. In obstructive lung disease, the FEV1 is reduced more than the FVC, resulting in a reduced ratio. In restrictive lung disease, both FEV1 and FVC are reduced proportionally, resulting in a normal or increased ratio.

Measurement

The FEV1/FVC ratio is measured using spirometry, a common type of pulmonary function test. A spirometer measures the amount of air a person can exhale, and the time it takes for the person to fully exhale.

See also

• Spirometry
• Pulmonary function test
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Asthma

FEV1/FVC Resources
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