Participants who developed new subclinical atherosclerosis over 3 years experienced a significantly greater decline in cardiorespiratory fitness (-3.70 ml/min/kg) compared to plaque-free individuals.
Observational (n=49)
No
Does a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness associate with vascular aging and subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy older adults over a 3-year period?
In healthy older adults, preservation of cardiorespiratory fitness over a 3-year period is associated with more favorable vascular aging profiles and a lower prevalence of newly developed subclinical atherosclerosis.
p-value: p=0.012
Abstract Aging is associated with progressive deterioration of vascular function and cardiovascular risk. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is closely associated with cardiovascular health, yet longitudinal data in healthy older adults remain limited. This study examined 3-year changes in vascular and echocardiographic parameters in older adults and their associations with CRF and muscle strength. Forty-nine participants (mean age 63.8 ± 3.8 years) underwent vascular assessments (brachial/central blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index), echocardiography, CRF testing via spiroergometry to determine VO 2 peak, muscle strength testing, and carotid sonography at baseline and after 3 years. Participants were grouped by carotid plaque status: no atherosclerosis, existing atherosclerosis, or newly developed atherosclerosis. Over 3 years, CRF and muscle strength (grip strength, leg flexion) declined significantly (all p 90% of baseline VO 2 peak had significantly smaller BP increases. These results indicate that vascular aging progresses measurably within a few years in clinically healthy older adults and is associated with declines in CRF and muscle strength. Preservation of CRF is linked to more favorable vascular aging profiles and a lower prevalence of newly developed atherosclerosis. Graphical Abstract
Groesser et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Healthy older adults (n=49). Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) decline vs. Baseline vs 3-year follow-up was evaluated on Changes in vascular parameters and subclinical atherosclerosis (p=0.012). Participants who developed new subclinical atherosclerosis over 3 years experienced a significantly greater decline in cardiorespiratory fitness (-3.70 ml/min/kg) compared to plaque-free individuals.