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Published on: March 7, 2019
Physical activity, weight status, and mortality among congestive heart failure patients
1Jackson Heart Study Vanguard Center of Oxford, Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States.
Background:
Although obesity contributes to increased heart failure risk, and in alignment with the "obesity paradox", studies demonstrate that overweight/obese patients with established heart failure have better clinical outcomes when compared to their normal weight counterparts. To address this, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the fat-but-fit paradigm among those with congestive heart failure.
Methods:
Participant data from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were utilized, with follow-up through 2011. Analyses are based on data from 573 participants who had a physician-diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Based on self-reported physical activity status and measured body mass index, participants were categorized into 6 mutually exclusive groups: Group 1: Normal Weight and Inactive, Group 2) Overweight and Inactive, Group 3) Obese and Inactive, Group 4) Normal Weight and Active, Group 5) Overweight and Active and Group 6) Obese and Active.
Results:
When compared to Group 1, those in Groups 2, 4, 5, and 6 had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
Conclusion:
Physically active congestive heart failure patients, regardless of weight status, have survival benefits.
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