Anthropometry, Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular Risk in the Colombian Population

Introduction: This study highlights the importance of physical activity as a preventive strategy against the estimated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD risk%) in Colombian adults aged 30 to 55, emphasizing the role of anthropometric variables. Based on the Framingham model (2008) and WHO recommendations (2017), key indicators such as body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and visceral fat (VF) were analyzed, along with hemodynamic parameters and physical fitness tests. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 56 adults. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), anthropometric variables (BMI, WHR, VF, muscle mass, body fat), and physical fitness (trunk flexibility, arm and abdominal strength, and aerobic endurance) were assessed. CVD risk% was estimated using the Framingham model (2008). Descriptive statistics and Pearson and Spearman correlations were applied. Results: A total of 21.6% of participants presented high CVD risk%. About 34% had HR >80 bpm and 47.9% had elevated SBP. High levels of VF and body fat percentage were found, along with low or moderate muscle mass. More than 70% scored low or average in at least three physical fitness tests. Significant correlations were found between CVD risk% and age (r = 0.744), VF (r = 0.729), SBP (r = 0.674), and WHR (r = 0.547). Flexibility, strength, and aerobic endurance were inversely associated with risk. The findings support the use of kinanthropometry in identifying cardiovascular risk, highlighting visceral fat as a key predictor, especially among men and physically inactive adults. Conclusion: There is a significant association between cardiovascular risk, body composition, and physical fitness. It is recommended to incorporate anthropometric assessments into preventive strategies in physical education and public health.