A study led by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, has found that men who were physically fit in their youth had a significantly lower risk of atherosclerosis nearly 40 years later. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study links physical fitness during adolescence to better cardiovascular health in middle age, suggesting that atherosclerosis is a key factor in this long-term benefit. Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of plaques in the arteries, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The research team used data from the Swedish Military Conscription Register and the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS), involving nearly 9,000 men aged 50-64. By examining coronary arteries through coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and assessing both calcified and non-calcified plaques, the study found that men with better cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in their youth had lower levels of atherosclerosis in their coronary arteries decades later. Non-calcified plaques, which are more prone to rupture and cause heart attacks, were also less prevalent in those with higher youth fitness levels.
The study further examined atherosclerosis in the large arteries leading to the brain using ultrasound, revealing a similar association between physical fitness and lower atherosclerosis risk. While the study was limited to men due to the gender-specific nature of Swedish military service at the time, the findings emphasize the importance of youth fitness in preventing long-term cardiovascular issues. Researchers highlighted concerns about declining physical fitness in today’s youth, making these findings especially pertinent for future generations. The study was funded by several organizations, including the Heart-Lung Foundation and the Swedish Research Council.
