Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and long-term cardiovascular risk in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lifestyle factors such as prolonged sedentary behavior (SB) and reduced physical activity (PA) may heighten the risk of CVD. The objective of the study was to investigate the role of SB and PA as predictors for long-term CVD risk in RA patients.Methods: A subsample of 273 people diagnosed with RA was extracted from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included in this cross-sectional study. Valid accelerometry data were categorized into sedentary behavior, very light, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Functional limitations were assessed using a physical function questionnaire. The Framingham risk score (FRS) was used to calculate 10-year CVD risk. Regression models were used to examine the relationships between SB, PA, and 10-year CVD risk while controlling for potential confounders.Results: Participants spent an average of 9 h/day sedentary, 4 h in very light PA, 1 h in light PA, and 0.4 h in moderate-to-vigorous PA. Greater sedentary time was associated with higher 10-year CVD risk (p= 0.019). Increased daily PA, at all intensities, was inversely associated with 10-year CVD risk (p< 0.01). In the fully adjusted regression model, associations between 10-year CVD risk and SB (β = 0.31, R² = 0.27, p< 0.01), very light PA (β = -0.19, R² = 0.26, p< 0.01), light PA (β = -0.16, R² = 0.25, p< 0.01), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (β = -0.15, R² = 0.25, p< 0.01) remained significant.Conclusions: Strategies for decreasing SB and increasing PA should be explored with individuals with RA in order to decrease long-term CVD risk.