Low fitness may indicate poor arterial health in adolescents

What is it about?

The results showed that both higher aerobic fitness and better ability to sustain moderate exercise for a long periods of time were related to lower arterial stiffness in adolescents aged 16–19 years of age.

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Why is it important?

Arterial stiffness is one of the first signs of cardiovascular diseases and adults with increased arterial stiffness are at higher risk of developing clinical cardiovascular disease. However, arterial stiffening may have its origin already in childhood and adolescence. Although genetics may explain part of the observed associations, moderate and especially vigorous physical activity improve fitness and arterial health already in youth. Because the development of cardiovascular diseases is a long process, sufficiently intense physical activity since childhood may be the first line in prevention of early arterial aging

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