Cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of poor cardiovascular disease outcomes

WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2024 (HealthDay News) — There is consistent evidence that high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is strongly associated with a lower risk of a variety of cardiovascular disease outcomes, according to a review published online May 2 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Justin J. Lang, Ph.D., from the Public Health Agency of Canada in Ottawa, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature search to identify studies evaluating the predictive associations between baseline CRF and health outcomes in adults.

Based on 26 systematic reviews (eight meta-analyses), the researchers found that CRF had the greatest risk reduction of all-cause mortality when comparing high versus low CRF (hazard ratio (HR), 0.47). For each 1-metabolic equivalent of task (MET) higher CRF level, there was a reduction in all-cause mortality (HRs, 0.89 and 0.83, respectively). For specific outcomes, CRF was associated with the greatest risk reduction in incident heart failure when comparing high versus low CRF (HR, 0.31). For each 1-MET higher CRF level, there was a reduction in heart failure (HR, 0.82). Among those with cardiovascular disease, CRF was associated with the greatest risk reduction in cardiovascular mortality when comparing high versus low CRF (HR, 0.27). The evidence in all studies ranged from very low to moderate certainty.

“Through regular evaluation, physicians and exercise professionals can better identify adults at greater risk of premature death and initiate exercise programs aimed at increasing CRF through regular physical activity,” Lang said in a statement.

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