Abstract

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (FIT) is associated with a better profile in most modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (RF). In Chile, sedentary lifestyle is highly prevalent, reaching almost 90%. Aim: To determine the association between FIT and traditional and emergent RF in a primary prevention population. Material and methods: We prospectsed cardiovascular RF and determined body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. FIT was measured by a self-reported physical activity questionnaire and by a maximal treadmill exercise test, expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs). Results: Subjects in the highest FIT according to the treadmill test had significantly lower BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, tryglycerides, glucose, CRP and fibrinogen, and higher HDL cholesterol (adjusted by age and gender). LDL cholesterol did not show significant changes. The same pattern of RF (including LDL cholesterol) and CRP was observed when using selfreported physical activity as a FIT parameter. There was a significant association between both methods to measure FIT (p <0.0001, Chi-square Mantel-Haenszel). Conclusions: Our findings show that a better level of FIT, assessed by exercise testing or through self-report is associated with improved levels of traditional and emergent RF (Rev Méd Chile 2009; 137: 737-45).