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Atherosclerosis and physical functioning in older men, a longitudinal study

M E M den Ouden1, M J Schuurmans, I E M A Arts

  • 1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, STR 6.131, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. M.E.M.denOuden@umcutrecht.nl

The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|January 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Higher carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in older men is linked to reduced handgrip strength over time. This study explored atherosclerosis measures and physical function decline in elderly men.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Functional decline is a significant threat to independence in older adults, often exacerbated by chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease.
  • Vascular damage, a precursor to clinical manifestation, can negatively impact physical and cognitive functions.
  • Atherosclerosis, characterized by vascular damage, plays a crucial role in functional limitations and disability among the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between non-invasive atherosclerosis measures and physical functioning in older men.
  • To determine if common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and atherosclerotic plaques correlate with physical function decline.
  • To explore the relationship between subclinical vascular damage and maintaining physical capabilities in aging men.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 195 independently living older men from the general community.
  • Atherosclerosis assessed using ultrasonography to measure CIMT and identify atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Physical functioning evaluated through isometric handgrip strength, leg extensor strength, physical performance scores, and activities of daily living assessments.

Main Results:

  • Higher baseline CIMT was significantly associated with lower isometric handgrip strength at follow-up (βCIMT = -7.21).
  • No significant associations were observed between CIMT and other physical functioning measures (leg strength, physical performance, daily activities).
  • The presence of atherosclerotic plaques showed no association with physical functioning at baseline or follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Increased CIMT, a marker of atherosclerosis, is related to diminished isometric handgrip strength in older men over time.
  • This longitudinal study suggests that while CIMT may impact grip strength, other measures of physical functioning are not significantly associated with CIMT or plaque presence in this cohort.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand the complex interplay between vascular health and diverse aspects of physical functioning in aging populations.
Abstract

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