Cardiovascular risk burden and disability: findings from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS)

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• The relationship between cardiovascular risk and disability in aging populations remains incompletely understood.
• Investigating the link between cardiovascular disease risk trajectories and physical function decline is crucial for geriatric health.
• This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk burden and its impact on physical limitations in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between trajectories of the Framingham General Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score (FGCRS) and physical function limitations in older adults.
• To identify factors influencing the probability of disability in an aging cohort.
• To explore the potential of physical performance measures as indicators of cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 1219 participants in the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) with repeated measures of FGCRS.
• Assessment of baseline FGCRS categorized into tertiles and physical function using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
• Application of linear mixed-effects models to analyze the trajectories of cardiovascular risk and physical function.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in physical performance was observed in participants with middle and highest FGCRS tertiles between 2012-2014.
• Factors increasing disability risk included age, female sex, living in the Andes Mountains, higher FGCRS, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, and cognitive impairment.
• Living in more developed regions and higher educational attainment were associated with reduced disability risk.

Conclusions:

• Elevated cardiovascular risk burden is associated with diminished physical performance, particularly in gait.
• The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) may serve as a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular health in older adults.
• Understanding these associations can inform interventions aimed at maintaining physical function and reducing disability in aging populations.