Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Arterial Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross-sectional Study.

Berg, Inger Jorid; Semb, Anne Grete; Sveaas, Silje H; Fongen, Camilla; van der Heijde, Désirée; Kvien, Tore K; Dagfinrud, Hanne; Provan, Sella A · J Rheumatol · 2018

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

To assess associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO<sub>2</sub>peak), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, measured by arterial stiffness, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). VO<sub>2</sub>peak was assessed by a maximal walking test on a treadmill. Arterial stiffness was measured noninvasively (Sphygmocor apparatus). Cross-sectional associations between VO<sub>2</sub>peak and arterial stiffness were analyzed using backward multivariable linear regression. Among 118 participating patients, there were significant inverse associations between VO<sub>2</sub>peak and arterial stiffness, independent of traditional CVD risk factors and measures of disease activity. Reduced CRF may be related to increased risk of CVD in AS.

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