People who get readily exhausted by mild exercise at a greater risk of CVD

People who get readily exhausted by mild exercise or any physical activity are at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease than those who do not, revealed a study published in the Journal of Americal Heart Association (JAHA). This association is stronger in those aged ≤70 years or living with obesity.

The study team found that those who tired easily after light exercise had an overall higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease.It is crucial to perform regular exercise and remain physically active. The WHO goal for maintaining a healthy heart is to do at least 150 minutes each week of moderate exercises, such as brisk walking.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and fatigue commonly co‐occur in older adults. A group of scientists from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, conducted a study including six‐hundred and twenty‐five participants with no history of CVD (aged 68.1+12.0 years), from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The participants underwent ≥2 clinic visits between 2007 and 2015 were classified according to sex‐specific predicted 10‐year CVD risk scores using the Framingham CVD risk score (Framingham) and the Pooled Cohort Equation at baseline.

Perceived fatigability was assessed using the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale after a 5‐minute treadmill walk (0.67 m/s, 0% grade). Linear models were used to assess the association between baseline CVD risk and perceived fatigability an average of 4.5 years later, adjusted for demographics, behaviours, and medical history. In final models, a 5% higher baseline Pooled Cohort Equation score was associated with greater perceived fatigability at follow‐up.

Key observations

• Stratified analyses suggested this association was stronger among those aged ≤70 years and those with obesity.


• Of the individual CVD risk score components, older age was most strongly associated with perceived fatigability, followed by women, and treated hypertension.


• There was no association with the Framingham risk score.

Take home message of the study

• Perceived fatigability was higher among participants with greater CVD risk measured using the Pooled Cohort Equation risk score.


• The strong associations with hypertension and obesity suggest prevention and promotion of cardiovascular health may also lower perceived fatigability, particularly among those aged ≤70 years or living with obesity.


• Perceived fatigability may provide an early, sensitive measure of functional status.


• The findings revealed differential associations across indicators of health and disease.


• Future interventions to attenuate fatigability in older adults may focus on reducing cardiovascular disease burden.

For reference, follow the link

https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.119.013049