Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Long‐Term Changes in Aortic Stiffness: The Whitehall II Study

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk, mainly through effects on atherosclerosis. Aortic stiffness may be an alternative mechanism. We examined whether patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior are associated with rate of aortic stiffening.Methods and ResultsCarotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured twice using applanation tonometry at mean ages 65 (in 2008/2009) and 70 (in 2012/2013) years in the Whitehall‐II study (N=5196). Physical activity was self‐reported at PWV baseline (2008/2009) and twice before (in 1997/1999 and 2002/2003). Sedentary time was defined as sitting time watching television or at work/commute. Linear mixed models adjusted for metabolic and lifestyle risk factors were used to analyze PWV change. Mean (SD) PWV (m/s) was 8.4 (2.4) at baseline and 9.2 (2.7) at follow‐up, representing a 5‐year increase of 0.76 m/s (95% CI 0.69, 0.83). A smaller 5‐year increase in PWV was observed for each additional hour/week spent in sports activity (−0.02 m/s [95% CI −0.03, −0.001]) or cycling (−0.02 m/s [−0.03, −0.008]). Walking, housework, gardening, or do‐it‐yourself activities were not significantly associated with aortic stiffening. Each additional hour/week spent sitting was associated with faster PWV progression in models adjusted for physical activity (0.007 m/s [95% CI 0.001, 0.013]). Increasing physical activity over time was associated with a smaller subsequent increase in PWV (−0.16 m/s [−0.32, −0.002]) compared with not changing activity levels.ConclusionsHigher levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity and avoidance of sedentary behavior were each associated with a slower age‐related progression of aortic stiffness independent of conventional vascular risk factors.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers at Age 60 to 64 Years

“…The findings also suggest that increased sedentary time may be adversely related to endothelial function as indicated by its relation to these same markers, including to IL‐6, t‐PA, and leptin independently of MVPA. Their association with these biomarkers might mediate effects of PA and sedentary time on structural cardiovascular remodeling,44, 45 and these effects might be more apparent in those with vascular disease 46…”

Effects of a short-term increase in physical activity on arterial stiffness during hyperglycemia

“…In addition, higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and avoidance of sedentary behavior are each associated with a slower age-related progression of aortic stiffness independent of conventional vascular risk factors among older individuals. (31) Moreover, previous findings suggest that physical activity (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form: SF-36) is associated with peripheral arterial stiffness and SBP, but not with reduced aortic arterial stiffness in healthy humans. (32) Thus, increasing physical activity may attenuate increases in arterial stiffness during acute hyperglycemia.…”

Cardiorespiratory fitness and age‐related arterial stiffness in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

“…Given the low CRF consistently observed in women with SLE and the relevance of having medium‐to‐high levels of CRF to prevent premature mortality, it would be advisable for patients with SLE to perform sufficient physical activity and/or to undertake exercise‐based interventions to improve CRF. Higher levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity and avoidance of sedentary behaviour are independently associated with a slower age‐related progression of aortic stiffness in the general population independent of conventional vascular risk factors . Moreover, it must be noted that regular exercise is the best intervention to increase CRF levels and has shown to diminish arterial stiffness by reducing PWV in healthy individuals, as well as in patients with metabolic syndrome or hypertension .…”

“…Higher levels of moderate-tovigorous physical activity and avoidance of sedentary behaviour are independently associated with a slower agerelated progression of aortic stiffness in the general population independent of conventional vascular risk factors. 34 Moreover, it must be noted that regular exercise is the best intervention to increase CRF levels and has shown to diminish arterial stiffness 35 by reducing PWV in healthy individuals, 36 as well as in patients with metabolic syndrome 37 or hypertension. 38 Future clinical trials are needed to determine whether enhancing CRF through exercise training can reduce arterial stiffness and reduce the CV risk associated with SLE.…”