Can being fit keep your arteries young?
Association of cardiorespiratory fitness level with vascular function and subclinical atherosclerosis in the elderly
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Subclinical atherosclerosis was found in 37% of participants who were physically active, healthy, and above-average fit.
Most assume regular exercise prevents plaque buildup—this shows even the fittest elderly aren’t immune, challenging the 'fit = flawless arteries' narrative.
Practical Takeaways
Ask your doctor for central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity tests—not just arm BP—if you’re over 60 and fit.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Subclinical atherosclerosis was found in 37% of participants who were physically active, healthy, and above-average fit.
Most assume regular exercise prevents plaque buildup—this shows even the fittest elderly aren’t immune, challenging the 'fit = flawless arteries' narrative.
Practical Takeaways
Ask your doctor for central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity tests—not just arm BP—if you’re over 60 and fit.
Publication
Journal
European Journal of Applied Physiology
Year
2023
Authors
V. Größer, C. Weyh, Tim Böttrich, T. Frech, Svenja Nolte, N. Sommer, Magdalena Huber, K. Eder, O. Dörr, Sophie Hoelscher, R. Weber, E. Akdogan, H. Nef, Astrid Most, Christian W Hamm, Karsten Krüger, Pascal Bauer
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Claims (5)
High levels of physical fitness do not confer complete immunity against the development of coronary atherosclerosis.
People who are more physically fit in their 60s tend to have lower pressure in their main arteries, more flexible blood vessels, and less stress on their heart—signs their blood vessels are younger and healthier.
Older adults who are more physically fit tend to have less body fat, especially fat around the organs, even if their weight looks normal.
Older adults who are more physically fit tend to have lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol in their blood.
In older adults without heart disease, high pressure in the main artery leading from the heart is more strongly linked to early artery plaque than high blood pressure measured at the arm.