Which of the following may be considered a risk factor for mortality independent of physical activity and other major cardiovascular risk factors?

An elevated resting heart rate can be considered a risk factor for mortality independent of physical activity and other major cardiovascular risk factors because it has been associated with increased cardiac workload and reduced cardiovascular efficiency. Research indicates that a higher resting heart rate may reflect autonomic dysfunction or increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which can lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes over time.

In addition, a higher resting heart rate can indicate an underlying health issue, such as poor cardiovascular fitness or chronic stress, both of which can contribute to higher mortality rates. Unlike other factors that may have a stronger direct correlation with mortality risk, the elevated resting heart rate serves as an indicator of more subtle, systemic issues that could compromise overall health and longevity, making it a significant predictor when evaluating mortality risk independently.

Other choices, while certainly important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and mortality, are often interconnected with lifestyle factors or other health parameters and may not function solely independent of these influences.