The applicability of cardiopulmonary exercise testing of young obese adults

BACKGROUND: Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this regard, the early detection of cardio-vascular disfunction among young adults is an important issue. This problem can be solved by the cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the applicability of cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess the functional cardiovascular state in young and obese adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 84 young participants (18–44 years), 39% men, underwent a comprehensive examination including anthropometry, spirometry and cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a graded protocol in the period 2021–2022. Four groups of cardiopulmonary exercise testing indicators were assessed: metabolic, cardiovascular, ventilatory and pulmonary gas exchange parameters.

RESULTS: 35 participants (42%) were obese, 36 participants (43%) were smokers. The obesity had a negative impact on cardiovascular parameters of cardiopulmonary exercise testing: relative oxygen pulse on maximum load (60% vs. 72%, p = 0.004), heart rate on maximum load (86% vs. 90%, p = 0.024), maximum systolic blood pressure (181 mmHg vs. 156 mmHg, p < 0.001) and maximum diastolic blood pressure (92 mmHg vs. 83 mmHg, p = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, especially assessing cardiovascular parameters, in young adults is in high practical interest for the functional cardiovascular status examination of individuals with obesity, smokers, and, particularly, in the case of their combination.