Associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and left ventricular structure and function from the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos (ECHO-SOL)

Abstract

ObjectiveThe cross-sectional association between accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and cardiac structure and function is less well described. This study’s primary aim was to compare echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function with accelerometer measured PA and SB.MethodsParticipants included 1206 self-identified Hispanic/Latino men and women, age 45–74 years, from the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos. Standard echocardiographic measures included M-mode, two-dimensional, spectral, tissue Doppler and myocardial strain. Participants wore an Actical accelerometer at the hip for 1 week.ResultsThe mean±SE age for the cohort was 56±0.4 years, 57% were women. Average moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was 21±1.1 min/day, light PA was 217±4.2 min/day and SB was 737±8.1 min/day. Both higher levels of light PA and MVPA (min/day) were associated with lower left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI)/end-diastolic volume and a lower E/e′ ratio. Higher levels of MVPA (min/day) were associated with better right ventricular systolic function. Higher levels of SB were associated with increased LVMI. In a multivariable linear regression model adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular disease modifiable factors, every 10 additional min/day of light PA was associated with a 0.03 mL/m2 increase in left atrial volume index (LAVI) (p<0.01) and a 0.004 cm increase in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p<0.01); every 10 additional min/day of MVPA was associated with a 0.18 mL/m2 increase in LAVI (p<0.01) and a 0.24% improvement in global circumferential strain (p<0.01).ConclusionsOur findings highlight the potential positive association between the MVPA and light PA on cardiac structure and function.

Associations of accelerometer‐based sedentary time, light physical activity and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity with resting cardiac structure and function in adolescents according to sex, fat mass, lean mass, BMI, and hypertensive status

“…Previous studies in middle‐aged adults have reported conflicting relationships between increased MVPA and cardiac structure, specifically, increased LVMI. 12 , 13 , 14 There were no associations between MVPA and RWT that reflects eccentric ventricular remodeling similar to an adult study report. 12 Evidence from trained athletes suggests that eccentric hypertrophy is associated with endurance training whereas strength‐based training increases concentric hypertrophy.…”

“…This result was also observed among normotensive participants and those with optimal fat mass and lean mass but not with high fat mass, high lean mass, or elevated BP/hypertension. Previous studies in middle‐aged adults have reported conflicting relationships between increased MVPA and cardiac structure, specifically, increased LVMI 12–14 . There were no associations between MVPA and RWT that reflects eccentric ventricular remodeling similar to an adult study report 12 .…”

“…9,10 There is limited evidence on the independent role of a device-measured PA on cardiac structure and function in this age group which could improve understanding of physiological adaptation during growth and maturation. 8,9,[11][12][13][14] Moreover, the sex-specific relationship between sedentary time (ST) and cardiac structural and functional indices in adolescence remains unclear. 15 Since adolescents accumulate more time engaging in light PA (LPA) than MVPA, it is important to clarify whether LPA and MVPA independently associate with healthier cardiac structure and function in youth.…”

“…There is limited evidence on the independent role of a device‐measured PA on cardiac structure and function in this age group which could improve understanding of physiological adaptation during growth and maturation 8,9,11–14 . Moreover, the sex‐specific relationship between sedentary time (ST) and cardiac structural and functional indices in adolescence remains unclear 15 .…”

Relationship between objectively measured physical activity and subclinical cardiovascular disease: a systematic review

“…Five studies evaluated cardiac structure and function using echocardiography, while one assessed cardiac MRI (CMR) 27 55 83–86. Most studies suggested better myocardial function with increased PA. Thangada et al demonstrated that MVPA was associated with increased stroke volume and left ventricular (LV) end diastolic volume (EDV), and VPA was associated with larger LV mass (LVM) on CMR 83.…”