Objective To explore the characteristics of vibration response imaging ( VRI) among heavy smokers whose pulmonary function is normal. Methods 67 heavy smokers with normal pulmonary function, 60 healthy non-smokers, and 60 patients with COPD were recruited. History taking, physical examination, lung function test, chest X-ray, and VRI examination were performed. The difference of VRI dynamic imaging between the three groups was analyzed. Results VRI vibration energy curve which appeared low, flat, sunken-in, and single peak accounted for 43.3% , 16.4% , 16.4% , and 14.9% respectively in the heavy smokers, accounted for 6.7% , 3.3% ,0% , and 0% respectively in the healthy nonsmokers, accounted for 60% , 33.3% , 18.3% , and 16.7% respectively in the COPD patients. The results between the heavy smokers and the healthy non-smokers were significantly different. Compared with the heavy smokers, the COPD patients exhibited more low and flat in expiration period. The energy peak value ratio of inspiration and expiration phase in the heavy smokers, the healthy non-smokers, and the COPD patients were 0.56,0.74, and 0.54 respectively. There was no significant difference between the heavy smokers and the COPD patients in peak value ratio of inspiration and expiration phase. Conclusion The vibration energy curve of the VRI in heavy smokers with normal pulmonary function is significantly different fromhealthy nonsmokers, but there is no significant difference between heavy smokers and COPD patients.