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

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Aging Research
• Vascular Physiology

Background:

• Physical activity is known to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, primarily via effects on atherosclerosis.
• Aortic stiffness is an emerging mechanism potentially linking physical activity to cardiovascular health.
• This study investigates the association between physical activity patterns, sedentary behavior, and the rate of aortic stiffening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between physical activity levels and sedentary behavior with the progression of aortic stiffness.
• To determine if specific types of physical activity or changes in activity over time influence aortic stiffening.
• To assess these associations independently of traditional vascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study (Whitehall-II) with 5196 participants, measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) at ages 65 and 70.
• Physical activity and sedentary time (sitting) were self-reported at multiple time points.
• Linear mixed models were used to analyze PWV change, adjusting for metabolic and lifestyle risk factors.

Main Results:

• A mean 5-year increase in PWV of 0.76 m/s was observed.
• Each additional hour/week of sports activity or cycling was associated with a slower increase in PWV (-0.02 m/s).
• Each additional hour/week of sitting was associated with faster PWV progression (0.007 m/s).
• Increasing physical activity over time correlated with a smaller subsequent increase in PWV.

Conclusions:

• Higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is independently associated with slower age-related aortic stiffening.
• Avoiding sedentary behavior is also independently linked to a reduced rate of aortic stiffening.
• These findings highlight the importance of both exercise and reduced sitting time for maintaining vascular health during aging.