By Aayushi Gupta
Published May 31, 2025
Smoking affects many parts of the body, especially the lungs and heart. Regular health checkups can help catch problems early. This World No Tobacco Day, find out 6 important medical tests for smokers and why they matter.
Spirometry
This is a simple breathing test to check how well your lungs work. It measures how much air you can breathe in and out and how fast. It helps detect lung problems like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) early, even before symptoms show.
Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray creates images of your lungs, heart, and chest bones. It helps find signs of lung infections, lung cancer, or damage from smoking. Though not always perfect for early cancer detection, it gives a quick overview of your lung health.
Diabetes Tests
Smokers have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Tests like fasting blood sugar or HbA1c can show if your blood sugar levels are too high. Early detection helps manage or prevent diabetes-related issues.
CT Scan
This scan takes detailed images of your lungs and is more accurate than a regular X-ray. It is used for lung cancer screening, especially in long-term or heavy smokers over age 50. It can detect tumors at an early, treatable stage.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. An ECG records your heart's electrical activity and can detect irregular heartbeats, heart strain, or possible problems at an early stage.
Vitamin D Test
Smokers often have low vitamin D levels, which can affect bone strength and immunity. A simple blood test checks your levels and helps decide if you need supplements.