Cardiorespiratory fitness is not just about looking good in a swimsuit or running a marathon – it could actually save your life. A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights the importance of incorporating cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) into routine health checkups to assess overall health status and predict mortality.
According to experts, CRF is a key indicator of cardiovascular health and can help identify underlying risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and high cholesterol. In fact, the study suggests that CRF is a stronger predictor of mortality than diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and even smoking.
Sanjay Chugh, Associate Director and Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiology at Narayana Hospital Gurugram, emphasized the significance of annual CRF testing for apparently healthy adults. He explained that the test can not only predict the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality but also indicate the likelihood of developing conditions like diabetes, cancer, and mental illness.
Furthermore, a high CRF measure was found to lower the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer, while a low CRF indicated the potential development of chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and dementia.
Incorporating CRF measurement into routine clinical practice could help healthcare professionals better assess and manage patient health. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the importance of including CRF testing in regular health checkups to improve patient outcomes and guide treatment decisions.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness in maintaining overall health and well-being, highlighting the need for individuals to prioritize their fitness levels for long-term health benefits.