Geriatrics

Physical Activity Improves CV Biomarkers in the Elderly

Light and moderate to vigorous physical activity, and less sedentary time, is associated with more favorable cardiovascular biomarkers in adults aged 60 to 64 years, according to new research.1

 

The researchers came to this conclusion after assessing 795 men and 827 women aged 60 to 64 years who had participated in the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development.

 

IF YOU LIKE THIS, READ MORE...

 

New Troponin Test Is Quicker, More Sensitive Than Standard Test

 

Mental Health and Hypertension: A Q&A With Dr Sylvia Rozario

 

Participants wore heart rate and movement sensors for 5 days, which tracked overall physical activity energy expenditure and sedentary time.

 

Light physical activity was defined as 1.5 to 3 metabolic equivalent of tasks, and moderate to vigorous activity was defined as more than 3 metabolic equivalent of tasks.

 

Inflammatory, endothelial, and adipokine markers were extracted from fasting blood samples.

 

Results of the analysis showed:

  • Each additional 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity was associated with leptin levels 3.7% lower in men and 6.6% lower in women.
  • Each additional 10 minutes of sedentary time was associated with 0.6% higher interleukin-6 levels in men and 1.4% higher interleukin-6 levels in women.
  • Each additional 10minutes of light activity was associated with about 0.8% lower t-PA levels in both men and women.

 

“The 60 to 64 age range represents an important transition between work and retirement, when lifestyle behaviors tend to change,” said Ahmed Elhakeem, PhD, study author and senior research associate in epidemiology at Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. “It may, therefore, be an opportunity to promote increased physical activity.”2

 

“In addition, cardiovascular disease risk is higher in older adults. It’s important to understand how activity might influence risk in this age group.”2

 

—Amanda Balbi

 

References:

  1. Elhakeem A, Cooper R, Whincup P, Brage S, Kuh D, Hardy R. Physical activity, sedentary time, and cardiovascular disease biomarkers at age 60 to 64 years [published online August 8, 2018]. J Am Heart Assoc. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.117.007459.
  2. Older adults who get physical can lower their heart disease risk [press release]. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association; August 8, 2018. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/older-adults-who-get-physical-can-lower-their-heart-disease-risk?preview=19ee. Accessed August 8, 2018.