Influence of physical activity, the Mediterranean diet and sociodemographic variables on the values of different cardiovascular risk scales

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. There are several risk factors for CVD, many of which are preventable, including sedentary lifestyles and poor diet. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and sociodemographic variables such as age, sex and social class on the values of different cardiovascular risk scales. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study in 1584 Spanish workers in which the influence of different sociodemographic variables (age, sex, social class) and healthy habits (tobacco consumption, physical activity assessed with the IPAQ questionnaire, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet) on the values of different cardiovascular risk (CVR) scales (REGICOR, SCORE, DORICA, ERICE, heart age, and vascular age) was assessed. RESULTS: All the CVR scales showed better mean values as the level of physical activity increased, something similar occurring with the prevalence of altered values, in both sexes. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet also improved the mean values and prevalence of altered values in men and women. CONCLUSION: The Mediterranean diet and physical exercise decrease the probability of suffering a cardiovascular event and improve all the CVR scales analyzed in this study.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Features in a Mediterranean Cohort: An Epidemiological Instrument for Categorizing Metabotypes Based on a Computational Algorithm

“…Additionally, the SUN project described that sedentary attitudes related to computer use were associated with more depressive states in the population [67]. It is obvious that health policies must try to integrate the practice of physical activity in the Spanish population, to reduce the cardiovascular risk that is increased by following a sedentary lifestyle and potential mental illness [68].…”

Physical Activity, Sun Exposure, Vitamin D Intake and Perceived Stress in Italian Adults

“…Physical activity has been positively associated with the reduction of musculoskeletal [ 34 ] and major non-communicable diseases [ 35 , 36 ]; furthermore, mental conditions [ 37 ] can benefit from its regular and tailored practice. Previous studies reported substantial benefits of physical activity on psychological conditions, such as burnout [ 38 , 39 ], anxiety [ 40 , 41 ], or depression [ 42 ].…”