Objective: To assess associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, measured by arterial stiffness, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Methods: VO2peak was assessed by a maximal walking test on a treadmill. Arterial stiffness was measured noninvasively (Sphygmocor apparatus). Cross-sectional associations between VO2peak and arterial stiffness were analyzed using backward multivariable linear regression.
Results: Among 118 participating patients, there were significant inverse associations between VO2peak and arterial stiffness, independent of traditional CVD risk factors and measures of disease activity.
Conclusion: Reduced CRF may be related to increased risk of CVD in AS.
Keywords: ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS; ARTERIAL STIFFNESS; CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS.