Cardiovascular risk and systemic inflammation in male professional rugby: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate cardiovascular risk factors’ prevalence and association with systemic inflammation in professional male rugby players (RP).MethodsA cross-sectional investigation of 46 professional male RP (26.1±4.1 years) cardiovascular risk factors were compared by position. Inflammatory markers were compared with healthy controls (n=13) and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n=10).ResultsTwenty-six per cent of RP had no risk factors, 49% had 1–2 cardiovascular risk factors and 25% had 3–4 risk factors. Forwards had greater body fat (p<0.001), visceral fat (p<0.001), glucose (p=0.025), and C reactive protein (CRP) (p=0.023) compared with backs. RP demonstrated more favourable lipid and glucose profiles than reference values for the general population. Most RP (n=28, 61%) had elevated blood pressure (≥140/90 mm Hg). RP had higher vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (p=0.004) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (p=0.002) than healthy controls. RP had lower CRP than patients with RA (p=0.009), while one-third (n=15) displayed equivalent ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels. Multivariate clustering and principal component analysis biplots revealed higher triglycerides, inflammatory markers, and worse body composition were associated with forwards.ConclusionsDespite athletic status, most of this rugby cohort had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Concomitantly, these RP demonstrated increased levels of inflammation, with one-third, primarily forwards, displaying equivalent levels to patients with inflammatory disease. Further studies are needed to unravel the prognostic implications of increased inflammation in RP because unchecked, chronic inflammation may lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Protein and Leucine Requirements for Maximal Muscular Development and Athletic Performance Are Achieved with Completely Plant-Based Diets Modeled to Meet Energy Needs in Adult Male Rugby Players

“…Although some research has found favorable lipid profiles in rugby players compared to non-athlete controls [21], other studies have reported equivocal findings [22] or a high prevalence of atherogenic lipid profiles and other risk factors for CVD [23][24][25]. The majority of male professional rugby players have one or more CVD risk factors [26], and a significantly higher incidence of hypertension and diabetes has been reported in rugby players compared to the general population [25]. Recommendations have therefore been made that rugby players engage in preventative strategies to mitigate their elevated CVD risk [25].…”