Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we assessed the possible association of adiposity, physical fitness, vitamin D levels and haemodynamic parameters as intermediate risk factors for cardiovascular health in young Saudi women.
Methods: A total of 87 young healthy Saudi women were recruited in this cross-sectional study during 2014-2015. The body weight, height, waist and hip circumference, and plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were measured. The exercise stress test was performed to determine the pulse rate, blood pressure (BP), ECG, and VO2max. Multiple linear regression models were generated for the resting (r) and maximum (m) diastolic (D) and systolic (s) arterial BP and pulse rate (PR), adiposity markers, VO2max, and plasma levels of 25(OH) D.
Results: A multiple linear regression model was significant for the rDBP, mDBP, rSBP, and mSBP with adjusted R-2 (6.5, 10.2, 8.3, and 4.5%, respectively). Except for VO2max in the mDBP model, none of the included risk factors were significant according to the t-test.
Conclusion: This study showed the association of high adiposity and decreased physical fitness with haemodynamic parameters in young Saudi women. An exaggerated exercise DBP might predict future cardiovascular risk in unfit young women.