Could Exercise Early in Life Affect CV Risk Later On?
Young adults who exercise regularly are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life, according to a recent study. Similarly, reduced fitness levels increases heart strain and left ventricular mass, which could lead to a heart attack or death.
There’s a clear connection between fitness and heart health, and since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, being able to prevent it from an early age is beneficial to long-term health.
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Researchers started their study in March 1985 by conducting a baseline treadmill test of 4872 adults aged 18 to 30 years old, consisting of 9 2-minute tests of increasing difficulties. Seven years later, 2472 participants underwent a second treadmill test. The researchers conducted a final check-up of all participants in August 2011.
The results of the baseline tests showed that an additional minute of exercise lowered the participants’ risk of death by 15% and risk of CVD by 12%. The tests conducted 7 years later showed that a reduction in fitness level led to a 21% increased risk of death and a 20% increased risk of CVD.
“Higher levels of fitness at baseline and improvement in fitness early in adulthood are favorably associated with lower risks for CVD and mortality,” the researchers concluded.
“Regular efforts to ascertain and improve CRF in young adulthood may play a critical role in promoting cardiovascular health and interrupting early CVD pathogenesis.”
Reference:
Shah RV, Murthy VL, Conangelo LA, et al. Association of fitness in young adulthood with survival and cardiovascular risk. JAMA. November 30, 2015. http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2473630#Introduction.