Abstract
Introduction: Physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease but the mechanisms remain uncertain. Inflammatory markers are predictive of cardiovascular risk. We therefore examined the association between physical fitness and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a group of young men and women.
Method: Physical fitness using a bicycle ergometer and anthropometric measurements was determined in 316 women and 400 men aged 26 years. Maximal heart rate during submaximal exercise was used to calculate VO2 max level (ml/kg/min). Subjects were classified into three groups of physical fitness according to VO2 max level.
Results: Geometric mean (95% CI) CRP levels were significantly related to low levels of fitness in men and women (p <0.0001). There was a significant fitness x sex interaction (p = 0.009). The relationship was stronger for women. When adjusted for body mass index the relationship was significant for women only.
Conclusions: CRP level is related to physical fitness in young women independent of body mass index.