Associations Between Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) impacts 50% of U.S. adults although few studies evaluate young adults’ cardiovascular disease risk. Early identification of cardiovascular disease risk may mitigate increased adulthood incidence. We analyzed (CVD) risk factors and their association with cardiovascular fitness ( $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$ o₂max) to devise effective strategies to improve cardiovascular health across the lifespan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study evaluated the effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise on cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults aged 18 to 36 years. Glycemic control (HbA_1C), cardiovascular fitness ( $\dot{V}$ o₂max), percent body fat, lean body mass, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed using correlation analysis and multiple linear regression.

Results

Statistically significant relationships were observed between percent body fat (r = .83, P < .001) and BMI, and waist circumference (r = .83, P < .001) and BMI. Percent body fat (P < .001) and race (P = .018) predicted exercise time, with Asians exercising the longest. Percent fat (P < .001) and HbA_1C (P = .039) were identified as predictors of cardiovascular fitness which was low in spite of primarily normal average HbA_1C levels.

Conclusions

HbA_1C and body fat negatively influence cardiovascular fitness ( $\dot{V}$ o₂max) in young adults increasing adulthood cardiovascular disease risk. Research investigating the effect of HbA_1C on cardiovascular health especially in youth is warranted.