Published March 28, 2023
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology recently published an article on a study of the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and mortality risk for those with and without cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dr. Carl “Chip” Lavie, Medical Director Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute was a senior author on this manuscript.
This current study evaluated the association between CRF and mortality risk among U.S. veterans with and without CVD. Beginning with a benchmark CRF evaluation, the study participants were subjected to sequential CRF evaluations by standardized exercise treadmill tests (ETT) at least one year apart.
In total, 93,060 (87,998 male and 5,062 female) participants between the ages of 30-95 years were deemed eligible for participation. Of those, 50,481 had a history of CVD within six months prior to their most recent ETT, and 42,579 had no history of CVD. Follow-up time for this study ranged from 1.0 to 20.5 years.
This study revealed a marked decline in mortality risk in those individuals with increases in CRF, and an increase in mortality risk in those with a decline in CRF. The study authors concluded that changes in CRF over time lead to reciprocal changes in mortality risk, not considering other comorbidities.
“As we have known for decades, there is a direct correlation between increased mortality risk and decreased physical activity,” Lavie said. “This study is continued proof that we must promote sustained physical activity in all individuals, but most importantly in middle-aged and older people. Those with high CRF are more resilient to chronic disease, injury, and ultimately more capable of lowering their mortality risks.”
The authors of this study seek to provide a guide for clinicians regarding the necessary CRF changes for impacting all-cause mortality risks. Further, continuing to encourage the public to establish and maintain frequent physical activity practices is vital to achieving more favorable health outcomes.
