Physical fitness levels vs selected coronary risk factors. A cross-sectional study
K. H. Cooper, M. L. Pollock, R. P. Martin, S. R. White, A. C. Linnerud and A. Jackson
Several studies show significant correlations of blood variables, weight,
abnormal electrocardiograms, and blood pressure with the incidence of
coronary heart disease, but the quantification of fitness and its
correlation with coronary heart disease is more difficult. In this study,
approximately 3,000 men, average age of 44.6 years, were examined for blood
and lipid profile, pulmonary function, percent body fat determination, and
Balke maximal performance treadmill stress testing with multilead ECG
monitoring. Five age-adjusted cardiorespiratory fitness categories were
determined from treadmill times. A consistent inverse relationship among
physical fitness categories and resting heart rate, body weight, percent
body fat, serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, glucose, and
systolic blood pressure, was observed. Forced vital capacity was directly
related to levels of fitness. These results, although cross-sectional,
imply that physical fitness is related to lower coronary risk factors.
