Changes in exercise frequency and cardiovascular outcomes in older adults

Abstract

Aims Little is known about the association of changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) level with cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in older adults whose ability to engage in frequent MVPA naturally wanes as they age. We aimed to examine the association of changes in MVPA and CVD in older adults. Methods and results In a nationwide cohort study of older adults aged 60 years or older, we identified more than 1.1 million subjects without previous history of CVD at baseline who underwent two consecutive national health screening from 2009 to 2012. We prospectively assessed the risk of CVD occurred between 2013 and 2016 according to changes in frequency of MVPA by initial MVPA status. Compared to those who were continuously physically inactive, those who increased their frequency of MVPA from physically inactive to 1–2 times per week [0.7/1000 person-years (PY) decrease in incidence rate (IR); adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–0.99], 3–4 times per week (1.5/1000 PY decrease in IR; aHR 0.89; 95% CI 0.84–0.94), ≥5 times per week (0.4/1000 PY decrease in IR; aHR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85–0.97) had a significantly reduced risk for total CVD (P for trend <0.001). Older adults who became physically inactive from engaging in more than 1–2 times of MVPA per week had a higher CVD risk compared to those who maintained their frequency of MVPA. Conclusion Among older adults, engaging in higher frequency of MVPA or maintaining MVPA level was associated with reduced risk of CVD.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the risk of atrial fibrillation stratified by body mass index: a nationwide population-based study

“…Fifth, variables such as smoking status, alcohol consumption, and exercise were assessed by self-reported questionnaires, including the national health examination. Although these variables from the Korean NHIS database have been widely used in many previous studies [48][49][50] , there might be a possibility of inaccuracy or recall bias in this information. Lastly, since this is a retrospective observational cohort study, our findings suggest an association between the presence of NAFLD as assessed by FLI with incident AF, but this does not indicate a causal relationship.…”

Association between clustering of unhealthy lifestyle factors and risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation: a nationwide population-based study

“…Light intensity of exercise was defined as ≥ 30 min per day of walking slowly or sweeping carpets. Moderate physical activity was defined as ≥ 30 min per day of brisk walking, dancing, or gardening, and strenuous physical activity was defined as ≥ 20 min per day of running fast, cycling, or aerobic 32 . The number of moderate or vigorous physical activities per week was also collected from the questionnaire.…”

Physical activity and exercise improve retinal microvascular health as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk: A systematic review

“…Higher levels of PA [23,24] and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) [25,26] have been demonstrated to protect against endothelial dysfunction and vascular wall damage and are, therefore, considered to play a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of CV disease. In a cohort study of more than one million older adults, higher frequency of moderate to vigorous PA resulted in a CV risk reduction of 11%, whereas an increase in sedentary behaviour resulted in an increase of CV risk by 27% [27]. Exercise training, even at older age, has the potential to restore coronary microvascular endothelial function [28].…”