Gender differences in physical activity following acute myocardial infarction in adults: A prospective, observational study

Abstract

Aims Despite the benefits of regular physical activity participation following acute myocardial infarction, little is known about gender differences in physical activity among patients after acute myocardial infarction. We described, by gender, physical activity trajectories pre- and post-acute myocardial infarction, and determined whether gender was independently associated with physical activity. Methods and results The Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI patients (VIRGO) study, conducted at 103 US, 24 Spanish, and three Australian hospitals, was designed, in part, to evaluate gender differences in lifestyle behaviors following acute myocardial infarction. We used baseline, one-month, and 12-month data collected from patients aged 18-55 years ( n = 3572). Patients were assigned to American Heart Association-defined levels of physical activity. A generalized estimating equation model was used to account for repeated measures within the same individual over time. Men were more active (≥150 min/wk moderate or ≥75 min/wk vigorous activity) than women at baseline (42% vs 34%), one month (45% vs 34%), and 12 months (48% vs 36%) (all p < 0.0001). Men engaged in a significantly longer duration of activity at each time point. When controlling for all other factors, women had 1.37 times the odds of being less active than men from pre-acute myocardial infarction to 12-months post-acute myocardial infarction (95% confidence interval: 1.21-1.55). Non-white race, non-active workplaces, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were also associated independently with being less active over time (all p < 0.05). Conclusions Although activity increased modestly over time, women recovering from acute myocardial infarction were less likely to meet physical activity recommendations than were men. By identifying factors associated with low levels of activity during acute myocardial infarction recovery, targeted interventions can be introduced prior to hospital discharge.

Predicting Risk Factors of Heart Disease among Jordanian Patients

“…This is in line with other studies conducting in other nations [26] [27]. Minges et al, [27] conducted an international prospective observational study with large sample size (n = 3572) in the USA, Australia and Spain to examine gender differences in physical activity after heart disease problem. The study reported male patients being more active than female patients at baseline, one month, and 12 months.…”

Physical Activity and Factors Affecting Its Maintenance Among Patients With Coronary Heart Disease Not Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation in China

“… 32 Our finding that maintenance of PA was 1.7 times more likely in men than women is similar to the findings from other studies that women are more likely to be inactive after a cardiac event. 33 Tailored interventions addressing the varied independent factors that affected our Chinese patients' participation in PA might be able to improve their maintenance of PA.…”

Young Women With Acute Myocardial Infarction

“…36, 53 Additionally young women are less likely to be taking statins at discharge and among those on statins, women are also less likely to be treated with a high intensity dose at 1-month post AMI, compared with men. 36 Beyond immediate management and medications, women are less likely to be counseled by physicians about lifestyle choices.…”