Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal African-American Women

Abstract

We examined the association of cardiorespiratory fitness with metabolic syndrome in overweight/obese postmenopausal African-American women. Pooled baseline data on 170 African- American women from two exercise trials were examined. Metabolic syndrome was defined as at least three of the following: abdominal obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and high triglycerides. Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) was determined using the Bruce treadmill protocol and categorized as: Very Low (VLCRF < 18 mL·kg−1 ·min−1), Low (LCRF = 18.0 – 22.0 mL·kg−1 ·min−1), and Moderate (MCRF > 22.0 mL·kg−1 ·min−1). Associations of metabolic syndrome with cardiorespiratory fitness were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and linear regression. VO2peak was significantly lower in the VLCRF compared to the MCRF group. Lower cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL among overweight/obese postmenopausal African-American women. In fully adjusted models, higher waist circumference and triglycerides were associated with lower VO2peak levels (P < 0.01) and higher HDL-C was associated with higher VO2peak levels (P = 0.03). Overweight/obese postmenopausal African-American women with very low cardiorespiratory fitness are more likely to have metabolic syndrome, higher body mass index, and unhealthier levels of certain metabolic syndrome components than women with moderate cardiorespiratory fitness.

Circulating microRNAs and endothelial cell migration rate are associated with metabolic syndrome and fitness level in postmenopausal African American women

“…Therefore, in this high risk group for CVD, maintaining a healthy metabolic profile and at least a Moderate CRF may be protective for cardiovascular health through maintenance of circulating factors that promote endothelial repair. The importance of CRF is further increased considering a Moderate CRF level decreases the risk of MetS and related comorbidities (Kaminsky et al ; Adams‐Campbell et al ). Habitual exercise is a useful lifestyle intervention to both increase CRF and decrease MetS risk factors, although beneficial effects of exercise interventions on cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women are not always apparent, related to loss of estrogen (Moreau and Ozemek, ).…”

“…Information on participant recruitment has been previously described in detail (Adams‐Campbell et al ). The study was initially approved by the institutional review board (IRB) at Georgetown University.…”

“…Information on participant recruitment has been previously described in detail (Adams-Campbell et al 2016).…”

Ethnicity and Metabolic Syndrome: Implications for Assessment, Management and Prevention

“…Less is known about how similar interventions may be effective in African-American, Hispanic and Aboriginal/Indigenous populations. However, higher levels of physical activity and fitness have been reported to be associated with a lower prevalence of MetS in African-Americans [78], Hispanics [79] and Aboriginals [80].…”

Postmenopause and Metabolic Syndrome

“…Hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL increase cardiovascular disease risk (19). Abdominal obesity and low HDL increases the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women (20). Although abdominal obesity is the most important indicator of insulin resistance, some of the cases of insulin resistant metabolic syndrome may not have obesity.…”