Aerobic fitness, exercise, obesity and heart health in middle-aged men and women

What is it about?

Arterial stiffness and impaired arterial dilatation capacity are one of the first signs of cardiovascular diseases. We found that exercise may decrease arterial stiffness and improve arterial dilatation. Our study also suggests that cardiovascular responses to exercise may be improved in fit and normal weight individuals

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Why is it important?

Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases which are still the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality worldwide. While our findings showed that high blood pressure is the strongest correlate of impaired vascular health, our results also suggest that positive arterial responses to exercise could be slightly improved in fit and normal weight individuals. Therefore, preventing high blood pressure and maintaining good aerobic fitness and normal weight could prevent premature arterial aging.