Alcohol consumption and cardiorespiratory fitness in five population-based studies:

BackgroundPoor cardiorespiratory fitness is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity. Alcohol consumption contributes substantially to the burden of disease, but its association with cardiorespiratory fitness is not well described. We examined associations between average alcohol consumption, heavy episodic drinking and cardiorespiratory fitness.DesignThe design of this study was as a cross-sectional population-based random sample.MethodsWe analysed data from five independent population-based studies (Study of Health in Pomerania (2008–2012); German Health Interview and Examination Survey (2008–2011); US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2000; NHANES 2001–2002; NHANES 2003–2004) including 7358 men and women aged 20–85 years, free of lung disease or asthma. Cardiorespiratory fitness, quantified by peak oxygen uptake, was assessed using exercise testing. Information regarding average alcohol consumption (ethanol in grams per day (g/d)) and heavy episodic drinking (5+ or 6+ dri...