Cardiorespiratory Fitness and the Risk for Stroke in Men

Abstract

PREVIOUS STUDIES have shown that physical activity^1-6 and good cardiorespiratory^7-10 fitness have protective effects on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension. In addition, physical activity may protect against future stroke,^11-16 although the relation between physical activity and the risk for stroke has been inconsistent. In one study, Herman et al¹⁷ reported a graded dose-response relation, whereas other studies^18-20 have reported a nonlinear association between physical activity and the risk for stroke. Our previous study showed that low maximum oxygen capacity (V̇O₂max) is associated with accelerated progression of carotid atherosclerosis.¹⁰ However, there are no cohort studies concerning the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and the risk for stroke.