Self-Reported Physical Fitness Predicts Cardiovascular and Overall Mortality
Overview
This study of 3248 participants over nearly 10 years found that higher self-reported physical fitness (SRPF) strongly predicts lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, independent of traditional risk factors. The protective association of high SRPF was consistent in individuals with and without coronary artery disease (CAD).
Background
Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with physical inactivity recognized as a key modifiable risk factor. Objective fitness assessments are resource-intensive, but self-assessed physical fitness offers a simple, cost-effective alternative. Prior research suggests that low self-rated fitness correlates with increased mortality risk, potentially reflecting overall cardiovascular and metabolic health beyond standard clinical measures.
Data Highlights
SRPF Class
Hazard Ratio for Cardiovascular Mortality (95% CI)
Highest SRPF
0.14 (0.08–0.24)
Lowest SRPF
Reference
Key Findings
Higher baseline SRPF was associated with significantly lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality over a mean follow-up of 9.9 years.
The highest SRPF class had an 86% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the lowest class (HR 0.14, 95% CI 0.08–0.24).
Associations remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, LDL cholesterol, HbA1c, smoking, and comorbidities.
Findings were consistent in both patients with angiographically documented CAD (78%) and those without CAD (22%).
Higher SRPF correlated with favorable clinical parameters including lower systolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, HbA1c, fasting glucose, serum uric acid, and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, serum amyloid A).
Higher SRPF was also linked to higher levels of protective lipids such as apolipoprotein A-2 and HDL cholesterol.
Clinical Implications
Self-reported physical fitness is a practical, low-cost tool that can be incorporated into routine medical evaluations to identify individuals at higher risk of mortality. Its strong predictive value supports promoting physical activity and fitness as integral components of cardiovascular risk management and preventive care.
Conclusion
Self-assessed physical fitness robustly predicts cardiovascular and overall mortality independent of traditional risk factors, underscoring its utility as an accessible marker for health status and a target for intervention.
References
LURIC Study Group 2024 -- Self-Assessment of Physical Fitness as a Predictor of Cardiovascular and Overall Mortality
