Physical inactivity and cardiovascular risk: baseline observations from men and premenopausal women

Introduction: Physical activity or exercise is a proven deterrent of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Purpose: In this study, we examined the relationships between baseline values of parameters related to physical activity and known markers of CV disease, including markers of oxidative stress. Methods: A total of 455 healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 were recruited to participate in the study. Levels of lipids/lipoproteins and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured along with the VO2 and duration time spent on treadmill. Results: Women, in general, had a significantly (P<0.0001) higher plasma high density lipoprotein (1.51±0.30 mmol/l), decreased (P<0.0001) low density lipoprotein (LDL) (2.75±0.66 mmol/l), and decreased (P<0.0001) triglycerides levels (2.09±0.85 mmol/l), compared with males (1.21±0.23 mmol/l, 2.92±0.81 mmol/l, and 3.02±1.34 mmol/l, respectively). There was a direct correlation between the levels of plasma LDL and the levels oxidized LDL levels (P<0.0001) in both men and women. Despite a better antiatherogenic lipid profile, the levels of C-reactive protein in women were significantly (P<0.0001) elevated (3.78±3.66 ng/ml) as compared with those in men (1.82±2.37 ng/ml). Conclusion: These results suggest intrinsic sex differences between men and women in relation to atherogenic risk. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:100–105, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.