Aortic augmentation index in endurance athletes: a role for cardiorespiratory fitness.

The lower AIx@75 in endurance athletes is partly mediated by [Formula: see text]. While an inverse relationship between AIx@75 and [Formula: see text] was found in men, women with the highest [Formula: see text] possessed lowest AIx@75 compared to females with moderate or poor cardiorespiratory fitness. We recommend aerobic training aimed at achieving a minimum [Formula: see text] of 45 ml kg(-1) min(-1) to decrease the risk of future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.