Effect of physical activity assessment on prognostication for peripheral artery disease and mortality

To examine whether a simple question about the performance of regular vigorous activity is associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and mortality.

A total of 1288 individuals undergoing nonemergency coronary angiography were assessed for participation in regular vigorous activity by questionnaire. Data on demographic characteristics, ankle-brachial indexes, and cardiovascular outcomes were prospectively collected.

Compared with those who denied participation in regular vigorous activity, those who reported participation were less likely to have PAD (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.86), had higher ankle-brachial indexes, had better Walking Impairment Questionnaire scores (P<.001), and experienced reduced all-cause mortality rates (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.31-0.74). When added to the Framingham Risk Score, the response improved the net reclassification index for all-cause (32.6%) and cardiovascular (32.0%) mortality.

Among at-risk individuals, regular vigorous activity is associated with decreased PAD and all-cause mortality. Simple and readily available, a single yes/no query about participation in regular vigorous exercise could be used to improve risk stratification.