Beyond the benefits to blood vessels
The second study, published on October 29, 2021, in JAMA Network Open, involved 2,962 people from the Framingham Offspring Study. Begun in 1971, this cohort consists of a sample of the sons and daughters of the original cohort and their spouses.
Instead of directly measuring FRC (expensive and requiring special equipment), the researchers estimated FRC using information such as a person’s age, sex, waist circumference, resting heart rate, and physical activity, starting with middle-aged participants. But unlike the other study, this one also included relevant measures of participants’ cardiovascular health, Dr Skali says. For example, it had tests to check the stiffness of their arteries and look for early signs of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup inside the streets).
Over an average follow-up period of 15 years, people with higher CVRF in middle age were more likely to have healthier and more flexible blood vessels with less plaque buildup than those with lower CVRF. The more physically fit individuals were also less likely to develop hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. They were also less likely to die during the follow-up period..
While these findings underscore the value of improved fitness in middle age, there is still time to start exercising, says Dr. Skali. “No matter what age you start exercising, you can improve your cardiovascular health,” he says.
