Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) refers to the ability of the cardiopulmonary system to supply oxygen to skeletal muscles during exercise. Regular physical activity optimizes these systems by physiologic means that not only decrease cardiovascular risk factors but also independently affect mortality. Importantly, CRF is an integrative measure of the effects of its upstream risk factors including physical activity and genetics. In this review, we summarize the main methods that are frequently used to estimate CRF. We cite findings from the major studies on CRF, which demonstrate a beneficial effect on prevalent cardiovascular risk factor burden, subclinical atherosclerosis, and incident adverse outcomes including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cancer. We conclude by suggesting the incorporation of CRF into clinical decision-making given the prognostic information it provides.

中文翻译：

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心肺适能、心血管危险因素与动脉粥样硬化的关系

心肺适能（CRF）是指心肺系统在运动过程中向骨骼肌供氧的能力。定期体育锻炼通过生理方式优化这些系统，不仅降低心血管危险因素，而且独立影响死亡率。重要的是，CRF 是对其上游风险因素（包括身体活动和遗传）影响的综合衡量指标。在这篇综述中，我们总结了常用来估计 CRF 的主要方法。我们引用了 CRF 主要研究的结果，这些研究结果表明对普遍的心血管危险因素负担、亚临床动脉粥样硬化以及包括死亡、心肌梗塞、中风和癌症在内的不良事件产生有益影响。