Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and blood pressure with arterial stiffness in adolescent, young adult, and middle-aged women

Abstract

Few studies have investigated whether higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) or favourable body composition are related to lower arterial stiffness in women. We therefore investigated the associations of CRF, body fat percentage (BF%), fat free mass index (FFMI), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) with arterial stiffness in 146 women aged 16–58 years. CRF was assessed by a maximal exercise test with respiratory gas analysis either on a cycle ergometer or a treadmill. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao), augmentation index (AIx%), and MAP were assessed by a non-invasive oscillometric device and BF% and FFMI by a bioelectrical impedance or DXA device. CRF was inversely associated with PWVao (β = − 0.004, 95% CI − 0.005 to − 0.002) and AIx% (β = − 0.075, 95% CI − 0.102 to − 0.048) and these associations remained similar after adjustment for BF% or MAP, but not after the adjustment for age. FFMI was inversely associated with PWVao (β = − 0.010, 95% CI − 0.019 to − 0.002) and MAP directly associated with PWVao (β = 0.005, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.006) and AIx% (β = 0.092, 95% CI 0.069 to 0.116) and the associations with PWVao also remained after further adjustments for BF% and age. In conclusion, a higher FFMI and a lower MAP were independently associated with lower arterial stiffness.

Association between physical fitness and body composition with blood pressure in night school students in Brazil

“…The current results also indicate that CRF and muscular strength play a significant role in blood pressure, which aligns with Haapala et al 36 study, participants with better CRF, and a lower percentage of body fat presents better blood pressure. Similarly, other adolescents and adults who improved cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength were more likely to maintain adequate blood pressure levels 37 .…”

“…Díez-Fernández et al 10 mentions that having better CRF does not provide complete protection against the risks of maintaining high body adiposity. On the other hand, some studies indicate that individuals with higher levels of CRF tend to exhibit better blood pressure, even in the presence of obesity 36,40 . The present study suggests that both CRF and adiposity should be considered when addressing blood pressure in adolescents and young adults.…”