Association of physical activity with vascular aging in a population with intermediate cardiovascular risk, analysis by sex: MARK study

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to analyze the association of physical activity and its intensity with arterial stiffness and vascular aging and differences by sex in a Spanish population with intermediate cardiovascular risk. Methods Cross-sectional study. A total of 2475 individuals aged 35–75 years participated in the study. Brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured using a VaSera VS-1500® device. Based on the age and sex percentile presented by the participants, the latter were classified as follows: those with a percentile above 90 and presenting established cardiovascular disease were classified as early vascular aging (EVA); those with a percentile between 10 and 90 were classified as normal vascular aging (NVA) and those with a percentile below 10 were classified as healthy vascular aging (HVA). Physical activity was analyzed through the short version of the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MLTPAQ). Results The mean age of the participants was 61.34 ± 7.70 years, with 61.60% men. Of the total sample, 86% were sedentary (83% men vs 90% women). The total physical activity showed a negative association with baPWV (β = − 0.045; 95% CI − 0.080 to − 0.009). Intense physical activity showed a negative relationship with baPWV (β = − 0.084; 95% CI − 0.136 to − 0.032). The OR of the total physical activity and the intense physical activity carried out by the subjects classified as NVA with respect to those classified as HVA was OR = 0.946; (95% CI 0.898 to 0.997) and OR = 0.903; (95% CI 0.840 to 0.971), and of those classified as EVA it was OR = 0.916; (95% CI 0.852 to 0.986) and OR = 0.905; (95% CI 0.818 to 1.000). No association was found with moderate- or low-intensity physical activity. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that, when intense physical activity is performed, the probability of presenting vascular aging is lower. In the analysis by sex, this association is only observed in men.

Association of Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Time and Physical Activity with Arterial Stiffness and Vascular Aging in the General Spanish Population, Analyzed by Sex

“…Nevertheless, not all studies have found the same results, and there are discrepancies between studies that analyze the effect of physical activity, its intensity, and sedentary time on arterial stiffness and aging in global analyses [ 18 , 19 , 20 ] and analyses by sex [ 21 , 22 ]. The discrepancies between the different studies could be due, at least partially, to the inclusion of individuals of different ages, the subjective measuring of physical activity through questionnaires, the objective measuring of physical activity using an accelerometer, and the measuring of arterial stiffness with different devices, as well as the use of different criteria to define the degree of vascular aging.…”

“…The effect of physical activity on arterial stiffness, depending on the intensity and type of physical activity, remains controversial. Several studies suggest that a benefit is only achieved with moderate or vigorous intense activity and can vary according to the type of exercise [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Similarly, other studies indicate that the effect varies by sex [ 21 , 22 ].…”

“…Several studies suggest that a benefit is only achieved with moderate or vigorous intense activity and can vary according to the type of exercise [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Similarly, other studies indicate that the effect varies by sex [ 21 , 22 ].…”

A systematic review of urban green and blue spaces and cognitive function including discussion of mechanistic pathways

“…Studies also described the impact of PA on cardiovascular disease and obesity [55,67]. PA can slow vascular ageing [91]. Paul et al [46] suggested that UGBSs, through slowing vascular ageing, may reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment through mechanisms including arterial stiffening, cerebral blood flow, and endothelial dysfunction [92].…”