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Oxygenation-sensitive Cardiac MRI with Vasoactive Breathing Maneuvers for the Non-invasive Assessment of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
Published on: August 17, 2022
Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Coronary Artery Calcium Scores in Firefighters
Mingyue Li1, Jiali Han, Carolyn Muegge
1From the Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana (M.L., J.H., T.Z., H.J.P., J.W., H.N.); Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas (M.L.); Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana (J.H.); National Institute for Public Safety Health, Indianapolis, Indiana (C.M., V.K., S.M.); Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana (L.Y.Z., P.M.); College of Health Science, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana (C.M.); School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana (H.J.P.); and Center for Global Health Equity, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana (V.K.).
Objective:
This study investigates the association between maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores in Indiana firefighters across different age groups.
Methods:
Using cross-sectional data, multivariable linear regression was conducted to examine the relationship between VO 2 max and CAC, stratified by age (<45 and ≥45 years), with adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors.
Results:
Higher VO 2 max was significantly associated with lower CAC scores in firefighters aged ≥45 years (β = -7.30; 95% CI: -11.41, -3.18; P < 0.001). No association was detected in firefighters under 45 years. Differences may reflect unique occupational physical demands and age specific cardiovascular risk profiles.
Conclusions:
Higher aerobic fitness is linked to reduced subclinical atherosclerosis in older firefighters, underscoring the importance of maintaining fitness to mitigate cardiovascular risks in this high risk group.
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