Effects of Different Doses of Physical Activity on Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Sedentary, Overweight or Obese Postmenopausal Women With Elevated Blood Pressure

Abstract

Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality, and improvements in fitness are associated with reduced mortality risk.^1-6 Although higher levels of fitness are associated with better CVD risk factor profiles, the fitness-CVD and all-cause mortality relation is only moderately attenuated when traditional CVD risk factors are taken into account.^1,4-6 Taken in sum, low fitness is a powerful, independent risk factor for premature mortality. Continuing to identify and refine efficient, safe, and acceptable exercise prescriptions to improve fitness is of substantial public health importance.