Cardiovascular fitness

Cardiovascular fitness is a component of physical fitness, which refers to a person's ability to deliver oxygen to the working muscles, including the heart. Cardiovascular fitness is improved by sustained physical activity (see also Endurance Training) and is affected by many physiological parameters, including cardiac output (determined by heart rate multiplied by stroke volume), vascular patency, and maximal oxygen consumption (i.e. VO₂ max).^[1]

Cardiovascular fitness measures how well the heart and blood vessels can transport oxygen to the muscles during exercise. It is an important component of overall fitness and has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved cognitive function, and increased longevity. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that higher levels of cardiovascular fitness were associated with a lower risk of mortality from all causes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.^[2]

This article addresses cardiovascular health as well as fitness, because the two are dependent on each other. However, “cardiovascular health” often refers to the normal, non-diseased function of the heart as defined by medical professionals. While the definition of health is still controversial and debated, it is frequently used in contrast to disease, whereas “Cardiovascular fitness” further describes the performance of the heart and blood beyond normal functioning, or simply a non-diseased state. This article will focus on cardiovascular fitness, and reference health and disease to support this topic. For more information on cardiovascular health and disease, see cardiovascular disease.