Lower Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated With Right Ventricular Geometry and Function – The Sedentary’s Heart: SHIP

Background Lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. However, very little information is available about the association between lower CRF and right ventricular (RV) remodeling. We investigated the relationship between CRF and RV structure and function in a large, aging, and largely sedentary adult population–based cohort. Methods and Results We used cross‐sectional data of 2844 subjects (1486 women; median age, 51 years; interquartile range, 40–62 years) from the population‐based cohort SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania) with echocardiography, of which 941 also had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed the associations of peak oxygen uptake with RV parameters determined by both imaging techniques using multivariable‐adjusted linear regression models. In echocardiography, a 1 L/min lower peak oxygen uptake was associated with a 1.18 mm (95% CI, 0.66–1.71; P <0.001) smaller RV end‐diastolic diameter and a 1.41 mm (95% CI, 0.90–1.92; P <0.001) narrower RV end‐diastolic outflow tract diameter. Similarly, using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging measurements, a 1 L/min lower peak oxygen uptake was associated with a 23.5 mL (95% CI, 18.7–28.4; P <0.001) smaller RV end‐diastolic volume, a 13.0 mL (95% CI, 9.81–16.2; P <0.001) lower RV end‐systolic volume, and a 10.7 mL/beat (95% CI, 8.10–13.3; P <0.001) lower RV stroke volume. Conclusions Our results indicate a significant association between CRF and RV remodeling. Lower CRF was associated with smaller RV chamber and lower RV systolic function, stroke volume, and cardiac output.