This cross-sectional analysis of the Master@Heart study evaluated objective wearable-derived training load (TL) and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older adults. The cohort included 222 men: 77 lifelong athletes, 98 late-onset athletes, and 47 controls.
TL was measured over 12 consecutive months using wearable metrics, including objective training duration and heart-rate–weighted intensity (eTRIMP), and was compared with self-reported TL. Coronary CT angiography quantified plaque presence and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores.
Participants were stratified into TL quartiles, and associations with CAD were assessed via unadjusted chi-square tests and logistic regression, with adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors and years of endurance exercise; continuous TL models used smoothing splines. Key findings: higher objective TL, particularly when combining long duration with high-intensity TL (eTRIMP in the top quartile), was associated with greater odds of subclinical CAD, including ≥1 plaque (adjusted OR ≈5.85), CAC >0 (adjusted OR ≈5.03), and CAC >100 (adjusted OR ≈3.50) versus the lowest TL quartile.
Objective TL measures showed persistent associations; sequence of intensity alone without high duration did not show clear associations.
Circulation published a clinical update in Cardiology on 29 Jan 2026.
The item focuses on Wearable-Derived Training Load and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged and Older Athletes and Physically Active Controls: A New Perspective From the Master@Heart Study.
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