This study investigated the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2 max) and concentrations of plasma lipid and lipoprotein in men. Vo2 max was measured and blood sample taken for the analysis of plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in 149 volunteers, including 106 trained and 43 untrained men, aged from 30 to 80 yr. To2 max significantly decreased with advance of age (r=-0.573, p<0.01, regression line: Vo2 max (ml/kg/min)=-0.488×Age (yr)+74.5). The trained runners had higher Vo2 max and more favorable plasma lipid and lipoprotein profile than the untrained men regardless of age (HDL cholesterol: 77±14 vs. 56±14mg/dl, p<0.01, triglyceride: 78±34 vs. 100±42 mg/dl, p<0.01, total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio: 2.77± 0.50 vs. 3.79± 1.03, p<0.01). We also observed large interindividual variations in the coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. Although among all subjects, including runners and untrained men there were significant correlations between Vo2 max and the CHD risk factors, no significant correlation was observed within the respective group. These results indicate that a given level of Vo2 max is not an appropriate index for evaluating a risk of CHD in middle-aged and older men.
