Physical activity, fitness, and selected risk factors for CHD in active men and women

The association of physical activity and cardiovascular fitness with risk factors such as blood pressure, body composition, and smoking habits was evaluated in middle-aged men and women active in sports. Data were available for 2009 men and 898 women, all volunteers over 40 yr of age who were active in sports, were available. Physical activity was recorded as sport activity (number and type of sport, frequency, and duration), occupational activity, and the use of the bicycle for transport. Cardiovascular fitness was expressed as maximal power output (Wmax.kg-1) achieved during a progressive maximal cycle ergometer test. Pearson's product moment correlations between cardiovascular fitness and risk factors indicated significantly lower risks among more fit individuals. Except for smoking habits all risk factors showed better associations with fitness in women than in men. The association of physical activity indicators and risk factors was less strong than the fitness-risk factor association in both genders. In both genders, joggers had the most favorable risk profile compared with subjects who were active in one of the other four most popular sports. We conclude that in this relatively active and healthy population comparable associations of physical activity and cardiovascular fitness with risk factors for cardiovascular disease were found as in studies on less active populations.