Longevity & Aging

Higher Cardiorespiratory Fitness Cuts Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity Risk by 40%

Researchers analyzed data from three nationally representative cohorts totaling 12,944 older adults to examine whether estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF) predicts cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM)—defined as having two or more of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. eCRF was calculated using a validated non-exercise equation requiring no physical testing. Over follow-up, 3,029 participants developed CMM. Each one standard deviation increase in eCRF was associated with a 39% lower risk of CMM. Adults in the highest fitness category faced 60% lower risk compared to those in the lowest category. The association was consistent across all three cohorts and held after sensitivity analyses including competing risk for death and multiple imputation. Adding eCRF to standard predictors modestly improved risk discrimination, suggesting it may be a practical cardiometabolic screening tool.