Genetic determinants of cardiorespiratory fitness in the UK Biobank

Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important (and understudied) determinant of health. The few studies that have measured fitness on a large scale have shown consistent associations with metabolic, cardiovascular traits and with mortality, which appear independent of major confounders such as obesity or physical activity levels. Furthermore, family studies have suggested that fitness is a heritable trait and is likely to have a significant genetic component. Thus, understanding the genetic aetiology of fitness is an important step in understanding the aetiology of disease. Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important determinant of health and the biological inferences that can be gained from human genetic discovery efforts will support future translational research. We will investigate genetic differences that are associated with variation in fitness levels. We can then use this information to understand the role of these genes and pathways in the causes of diseases and mortality. Full cohort